Skywriter - June 1, 2016

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Courtney Pollock

Springfest

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Leading Chief Petty Officer MCC Ben Farone Editor MC3 Jason C. Bawgus Skywriter Staff MC3 Jason C. Bawgus MC3 Ryan G. Greene MCSN Matthew Duncker

Making Preprations

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Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki Facebook.com/naf.atsugi

Space Available

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW DUTY IN JAPAN VIDEO

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ONLINE

ON THE COVER MH-60S

SEAHAWKS, ASSIGNED TO HELICOPTER MARITIME STRIKE SQUADRON (HSM) 51, PERFORM A FORMATION FLIGHT IN FRONT OF MOUNT FUJI. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS JASON C. BAWGUS/ RELEASED)

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Turning the Page

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Pictured from left, standing in front of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27’s new F/A-18E Super Hornets, VFA 27 Commanding Officer Cmdr. James Bynum, Carrier Air Wing 5 Deputy Commander Capt. Garry Mace and Commander, Striker Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Capt.

Vincient Shorts in Oct. 2004.

Pictured below, Lt. Brandon Allgood, assigned to VFA 27, poses in front of an F/A-18E Super Hornet during a media visit to Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

OCT. 2004

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

SPRING FRIENDSHIP

2016

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More than 60,000 local Japanese community members flooded Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s gates to attend the installation’s joint U.S. Navy/Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Spring Friendship Festival for a day of food, fun and friendship.

Multiple static aircraft displays dotted NAF Atsugi while both U.S. and Japanese Squadrons set up booths offering food, drink and apparel to visitors.

PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

FESTIVAL

PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

5 PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

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CVW-5 deploys with USS Ronald Reagan Story By MCSN Matthew Duncker

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 will embark aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to commence its 2016 patrol.

CVW-5 is the nation’s only “911” air wing and is a critical combat strike element of the 7th Fleet and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, the only forward-deployed carrier strike group in the U.S. Navy.

“The Badman team is the permanent long range striking power in the 7th Fleet Area Of Resposibility,” said CVW-5 Deputy Commander Capt. Michael Wosje. “CVW-5 is present and ready for tasking whether it is continued support of presence and deterrence in the Western Pacific, humanitarian assistance, or a new threat that has yet to be determined; CVW-5 is ready for our next deployment.”

CVW-5 is comprised of nine squadrons with approximately 2,000 Sailors and 80 aircraft, which complete the full capacity of operations and manning for Ronald Reagan.

Many of the Sailors are excited to join the carrier for patrol and begin flight operations.

“This is our second patrol with Ronald Reagan though it will be our first full patrol cycle,” said Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Guy Snodgrass.

“We met the carrier in San Diego last fall during the hull swap and then spent three months underway conducting flight operations. We’re excited to build upon the positive relationships we forged last year.”

Preparations include completing Field Carrier Landing Practice operations at Iwo To, so that CVW-5 can commence their next phase of carrier qualifications aboard Ronald Reagan.

“Carrier qualifications or CQ for short are extremely important for the Air Wing,” said Wosje. “Our ability to operate our aircraft safely and efficiently in the carrier environment ensures our pilots and maintainers are ready to do the mission. In executing our mission on deployment, we help provide stability in the region – and ensure our allies we can respond where it matters and when it matters.”

Snodgrass added, “Preparations for deployment, centered on Field Carrier Landing Practice at Iwo To and carrier qualification aboard Ronald Reagan, are paramount for a successful summer and fall patrol. If we can’t land on the carrier, we can’t perform all of the missions expected of F/A-18 pilots. Proficiency in the carrier environment is critical to ensure we can effectively operate as a ship-air wing team.”

CVW-5 is a collection of aircraft designed to perform various functions and missions to support the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and provides a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“Our deployment comes at a time of challenging instability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Snodgrass. “Our squadron’s mission, as a part of the CVW-5 and Reagan team, is to ensure we are ready to employ dominant airpower at a moment’s notice, deterring aggression in peacetime but ready and able to win decisively in conflict. Each and every Sailor is committed to this mission and we take pride in knowing we are an integral part of the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed naval force.”

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A

WARLORD

TRADITION A Brief History of HSM-51

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PHOTOS BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

As the U.S. Navy’s only expeditionary Forward Deployed Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System squadron, the Warlords of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 have been at the forefront of helicopter operations throughout the Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulf since their establishment on October 3, 1991.

The Warlords embody the spirit and tenets of the Samurai warrior depicted on their unit insignia, Miyamoto Musashi. A famed and accomplished 16th century warrior, artist, sculptor, and calligrapher, Musashi was a master swordsman who created and perfected a two-sword kenjutsu technique called niten’ichi (“two heavens as one”). In this technique, the swordsman simultaneously uses both a large sword (katana) and a “companion sword” (wakazashi). In addition to his renowned skill as a swordsman, Musashi was also an expert in throwing weapons and was known for his straightforward approach to combat, with no additional frills or

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aesthetic considerations.

Like Musashi, the Warlords are master warfighters; flying the Sikorsky MH-60R helicopter which has improved anti-submarine warfare abilities, new radar suite, and upgraded communications equipment. The Warlords are equally skilled with their weapons the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, the MK-46, MK-50 and MK-54 torpedoes, and the GAU-21 .50cal and M-240D 7.62mm crew served weapons. Should the need arise, the Warlords stand ready to preserve freedom and democracy and strike the enemy swiftly, relentlessly and with deadly accuracy.

Serving aboard the Yokosuka-based ships of Commander Task Force 70, the Warlords have amassed more than 11 Battle Efficiency Awards since establishment in 1991, setting the standard for operational excellence.

Excellence, humility, vigilance and teamwork are the governing credos by which the Samurai and the Warlords live and operate.

BEAT THE HEAT Discretion required in planning heavy exercise for unseasoned personnel. This is a marginal heat stress limit for all personnel.

Strenuous exercise and activity should be curtailed for new and unacclimated personnel during the first three weeks of heat exposure.

Strenuous exercise curtailed for all personnel with less than 12 weeks training in hot weather

Physical training and strenous exercise suspended for ALL PERSONNEL (excluding operational commitment not for training purposes).

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orking in an excessively hot environment can be difficult and even fatal. Heat can create a number of safety problems and illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal.

These illnesses caused by too much heat are called hyperthermia. Heat can also cause you to become inattentive, shorttempered, dizzy, and slow. All of these conditions can cause you to work in an unsafe manner. Hot conditions can be caused by the weather or by the work situation itself, such as a laundry-room or a foundry. When the atmosphere is humid, the effects of the heat are compounded.

Here are the warning signals of heat illness: Heat cramps affects muscles such as those in the arms, legs and abdomen – the muscles which have been used while working. These cramps may occur after work, when the person is resting. Heat cramps are a signal that the body has lost too much salt through sweating.

Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that needs immediate attention. It may have any or all of these symptoms: A feeling of exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, pale and clammy skin, quick pulse, and low blood pressure. Heat exhaustion is also a warning that the mechanism which controls heat for the body has become seriously overtaxed. Heat stroke may follow if heat exhaustion is not treated.

Heat stroke is a serious matter and it can be fatal. It occurs when the body’s heat control mechanism simply shuts down. Perspiration stops and the body temperature rises. The heart pounds and the skin becomes flushed and hot. This condition is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.

Here are some tips for preventing heat illness: Get used to working in the heat gradually. For example, if the weather suddenly turns hot or you are transferred to a hot environment, take it easy until you are accustomed to the temperature. Drink water often to avoid dehydration. The body loses water through perspiration, so you need to replenish it frequently. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or caffeinated beverages because they will cause you to lose even more water and salt. Take frequent rest breaks when working in hot conditions. These breaks can consist of moving to a cooler area or switching

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to lighter work for awhile. Get a physician’s advice before replacing salt, particularly if your salt intake is restricted for medical reasons such as circulatory problems. The use of salt tablets is not recommended.

Eating lightly salted food – before entering the work environment – may be a better idea. Also available are special drinks which are intended to replace the body’s fluid and mineral levels. Dress lightly, in layers so that you can subtract or add clothing as the temperature changes. Be sure to shade the skin against the sun. It is important that you remain alert to the signs of heat illness in yourself and in your coworkers. If signs of heat illness develop, move the victim to a cool place and cool him off as quickly as possible. If you have any reason to suspect that the person may be suffering from heat stroke, call for medical help immediately.

SPACE AVAILABLE ITS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

In byApril Story mc3 jason 1951, c. bawgus

Rear Admiral Ralph A. Oftsie, Commander, Carrier Task Force NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office 77,t learned forces had may not beChinese the best idea for those on alaunched strict time a spring offensive into South Korea.

To schedule, but with some time and a little patience, the toChinese offensive astall free flight Europe, Asia or Hawaii and mightretake just be the initiative, Rear Admiral Oftsie worth it. ordered the USS (CVactive, 37) Space Available, or SpacePrinceton “A” travel affords and Air Group Nineteen to destroy two retired and reserve military personnel, along with floodgates on the Hwachon Reservoir active-duty family members, travel to destinations Dam, a giant hydroelectric plant located throughout the world. on the Pukhan River, to provide a steady “We get a schedule in three days prior to a flight,” flow of water into the valley below and explained Operation Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Marr. slow the Chinese advance.

“Any military member, can call in to check the schedule The problem was the target itself. and up by240-feet coming intothick the terminal.

Thesign dam, at itsCheck-in base time and is two hours before a flight.

If we have room, we’ll had take with both faces reinforced by rock, them.” defied numerous attempts made by B-29 While it does sound like good deal, there are Superfortresses anda pretty AD-1 Skyraiders some things you need to remember when traveling Space carrying 2,000-pound bombs, which “A.” There isharmlessly a priority list with specific categories as bounced off the sides before to who gets to fly first. detonating. Lt. Cmdr. Harold “Swede” Active-dutyAttack military Squadron members and 195’s their families Carlson, (VAon orders, and service members on emergency 195) Commanding Officer, was givenleave the travel first, followed by active-duty,the families and responsibility of completing mission civilians Environmental and Morale Leave (EML) and onon April 30, 1951 – along with

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and Department of Defense (DoD) teachers during the school year.

Category three is for active-duty members on regular leave, house-hunting orders and those on special liberty.

Category four includes family members traveling without a sponsor on EML and DoD teachers during summer break. Category five is for those on no-cost TAD orders, family members with a visitor’s pass and those traveling on regular leave without a sponsor.

Retirees and Reservists fall into this category.

Another guideline to follow when flying Space “A” is to pack light. Passengers are only authorized to check two pieces of baggage weighing no more than 70 pounds and measuring no more than 62 linear inches.

Carry-on items are authorized provided they fit under the seat or overhead. These allowances vary on specific aircraft, so it’s important to check the requirements before reporting to the terminal.

“Plan ahead and have money and time available to fly Space “A”. That’s exactly what Space “A” means,” said Marr. “If we have room for you, we can take you.

If you have time and patience, most likely, we can get you where you want to go, but you should always have other alternatives, just in case.”

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PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

WHATS HAPPENING

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

U.S. Navy Ombudsman-at- Large Martha Faller, right, meets with Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Junior Sailor Association during a visit to the installation. Faller’s visit to NAF Atsugi is part of a larger tour of the Western Pacific to meet with quality of life program managers, family members and representative ombudsmen to discuss concerns, challenges and accomplishments within the family support community.

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus greets Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt.

John F. Bushey on the installation flight line. Mabus stopped briefly at NAF Atsugi for routine meetings with senior Japanese defense officials

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Adrian Calder, right, explains how the F/A-18E Super Hornet is launched from an aircraft carrier during a media visit to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The media visit was due to the upcoming departure of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

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PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Far East Cafe’

How do you describe your department’s primary changes to the schedule. mission?

The primary mission of the Galley is to provide HOW CAN YOUR CUSTOMERS REACH YOU?

healthy and nutritious meals to all Sailors assigned to To reach the galley and the Food Service Officer, Naval Air Facility Atsugi and the surrounding area. Sailors can leave a comment in the comment boxes at Furthermore, the Galley is an affordable choice for each galley, or they can call the front desk at 264-3768. subsistence available to all Sailors.

The NAF Atsugi “Far East Café” is more than a galley offering three squares a day; it is an award- winning quality of life focal point for Sailors and patrons whose duty hours don’t always conform to a routine schedule. The “galley” is actually three-in-one: the main facility, or “Far East Café,” the Flight Line Galley, and the “East Side Diner.” The galley team is comprised of active duty personnel from the installation and tenant commands as well as U.S. and Japanese civilians. This team comes together to offer a variety of delicious and flavorful and healthy options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special meals are also available for after hours or for unique dining needs. The galley opens its doors monthly to guest patrons and our JMSDF colleagues to celebrate holidays and significant events. The galley also provides unmatched Thanksgiving and Christmas day meals for the entire family. Day or night, the Far East Café galley offers exceptional quality meals to ensure that all its patrons are afforded a healthy variety of choices and a relaxing atmosphere.

How do the services you provide support the command’s mission?

The services provided by the Galley keep the Sailors healthy and fed at low or no cost enabling the Sailors to accomplish their assignments and minimize personal spending on food.

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

With approval of the Food Service Officer, the Galley can provide a work center, organization, or group of Sailors with provisions for picnics (hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.) to Ration In Kind Sailors at no cost, and at a low cost to Sailors receiving BAS.

Something special...

The galley has a monthly meal open to all personnel with base access every third Wednesday of each month.

The meal will be announced via email as well as any

Capt. John Bushey

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CO, NAF Atsugi

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO THE YAMATO STATION CLEANUP DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.

Flight Line News Briefs are compiled monthly news reports from squadrons, tenant commands, departments and command groups onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

Iwo To

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 squadrons participated in Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) THE VOLUNTEER GROUP THIS MONTH WAS GREATER exercises on the island of Iwo To THAN THE SPACE AVAILABLE in preparation for their departure aboard USS Ronald Reagan TO LIST BY NAME. THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS cruise.

PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT VOLUNTEER SUPPORT: AIMD 5 SAILORS PSD 3 SAILORS CNATT 4 SAILORS CVW-5 3 SAILORS VRC-30 5 SAILORS HSM-77 12 SAILORS NAFA 2 SAILORS NAVSUP FLC 1 SAILORS PUBLIC WORKS 3 SAILOR BHC 1 SAILOR

THANK YOU!

OAL-F

U.S. Navy Ombudsman-atLarge Martha Faller visited NAF Atsugi May 3-5. During her time at NAF Atsugi, Faller visited with leadership, program managers, family members and junior Sailors.

Faller’s visit to NAF Atsugi is part of a larger tour of the Western Pacific to meet with quality of life program managers, family members and representative ombudsmen to discuss concerns, challenges and accomplishments within the family support community.

VFA-27

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 hosted a group of Iwakuni and local media for a tour of their squadron.

The squadron tour was part of a larger visit coordinated for Iwakuni media to familiarize themselves with NAF Atsugi, attend Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) exercises on Iwo To, and tour the squadron.

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MWR-CYP

Starting June 6, the Child Development Center will expand their full-time care hours to 0500-1900. NAF Atsugi is the first overseas installation to implement the extended hours to assist Sailors with heavy work requirements as well as education and fitness goals. The extended hours apply only to full-time care and are children limited to a maximum of 12 hours per day.

Branch Health Clinic

The Blue-H-Navy Surgeon General’s Health Promotion and Wellness Award was awarded to the Branch Health Clinic on May 6, 2016. This annual award recognizes medical commands for their efforts in promoting health in Navy Marine Corps organizations is available at three levels: Bronze Anchor, Silver Eagle and Gold Star.

Thanks to the BHC Atsugi Health Promotion Team, the command earned a Gold Star for 2015.

The Health Promotion program offers Tobacco Cessation and Ship Shape Courses, as well as provides resources to the NAF Atsugi community. This year, the team coordinated the first Commissary Tour with Dietician event to promote Healthy Eating habits. The event had a total of 17 participants.

- LT Amanda Jimenez Myers