Skywriter - March 1, 2016

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

Tax Help

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English lessons

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Editor MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Skywriter Staff MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley MC3 Ryan G. Greene MC3 Jason C. Bawgus MCSN Matthew Duncker Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki Facebook.com/naf.atsugi

Spreading the Word

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SKYWRITER PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi

@NAFAtsugiJP www.issuu.com/nafatsugi

ONLINE

ON THE COVER JUST COMING

Congratulations to Lt. K. Ray Motoyama, of Branch Health Clinic Atsugi, for winning our inaugural photo contest. In the picture a local Japanese man grills “Ayu” at Kusatsu Onsen. Want to see your photo in the next issue? Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the next contest announcement.

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OFF OF MILITARY SAVES WEEK, THE ANNUAL TAX SEASON IS IN FULL SWING. THIS FRONT COVER IS AN ILLUSTRATION MEANT TO SHOW A MILITARY MEMBER TAKING HOLD OF THEIR FINANCES. (PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MC1(SW/ AW) BARRY RILEY

Turning the Page

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

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PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

Pictured here is what Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s base operations looked like shortly after World War II when the U.S. Army occupied the installation. The aircraft control tower lacked some of the modern convienences of today’s tower such as windows and air conditioning to say the least!

Today, NAF Atsugi’s control tower which is staffed by both U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Personnel and features sophisticated radars and other technology to help the controllers track incoming aircraft.

Pictured at left, Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Joseph Hilt, attached to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Air Operations, works with a Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force (JMSDF) air traffic control team during a flight check of the installation’s Precision Approach Radar and Approach Surveillance Radar.

EMO Story by mc3 ryan greene

Ensures Readiness

One Drill at a Time NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Preparing for the possibility of relocating your whole family, in the middle of a natural or man-made disaster is a daunting thought. Fortunately for Sailors and their families the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Emergency Management Office (EMO) has already begun preparing for such an event.

To kick off the new year, the EMO team began to lay the groundwork aboard NAF Atsugi by hosting a three day NonCombatant Evacuation (NEO) Drill for families and pets.

“NEO is important to practice so that the dependents can understand the process and procedures during an emergency or a natural disaster,” said EM Leading Chief Petty Officer Senior Chief Electronics Technician Dennis Dawson. “Emergencies can occur at any time, and practicing can lessen some of the confusion during these times.”

This includes preparing the NEO packet, which all families received upon their arrival to NAF Atsugi, in addition to creating, planning and practicing for emergencies.

“NAF Atsugi is a resilient community, that much is clear,” said the installation’s Emergency Management Officer Greg Wise. “Our community is smart and capable, we saw as much during the 2011 earthquake. We’re now looking to improve our plans but to also raise our community’s level of readiness.”

During the most recent NEO drill the Emergency Management department processed 395 families and pets.

EMO Sailors train in a variety of ways, studying in the classroom and eventually moving onto real-world simulations of various types of evacuations.

Part of the process is educating service members and their families. For this reason Dawson recommends all members of the NAF Atsugi community review the U.S. Navy’s emergency preparedness website at www.ready.navy.mil.

According to the Ready Navy website, it’s imperative that families have enough food on hand for four days in addition to keeping all important paperwork in a safe location that’s easily accessible to any family member.

This includes documents like family plans and identification like passports, birth certificates and social security information.

In the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, thousands of military families were voluntarily evacuated to the United States.

By practicing the evacuation process now, NAF Atsugi’s Training Office hopes to streamline any future evacuation procedures. With the completion of the first of several predicted drills this year, EM is poised to strengthen and improve the resiliency of the community, according to Wise.

For more information please call the NAF Atsugi EMO at 264–4184 or visit www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/ installations/naf_atsugi/om/emergency_management.html.

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'TISTHESEASON Story by mcsn matthew duncker

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Tax season comes once a year and tends to create stress for those who are unfamiliar with deductions, itemizing and filing for returns.

The Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) self-service tax center is here once again to ensure service members, civilian employees and their families receive the support they need to file their taxes correctly and on time.

“From our point of view, it’s important for junior Sailors to learn how to do their own taxes,” said VITA Representative Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Dylan Blackmar. “We are here to help them learn and understand the importance of filing their taxes on time” The VITA center is self-service, which means customers will be given access to a computer with the necessary tax programs and will file their returns themselves.

According to VITA Representative Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launching and Recovery) 2nd Class Francois Kouwonou, the benefit of the selfservice model is that it allows customers to learn more about their taxes and how to prepare a return.

“We are here to assist them,” said Kouwonou. “But

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Local VITA CENTER OFFERS TAX help

we want them to learn how to do this on their own.”

According to the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps official blog, Sailors using a Navy tax assistance center will save money.

Commercial tax preparation companies can charge more than $170 for a typical electronically-filed return. There is no charge for VITA self-service tax preparation.

Additionally, access to free and quick filing at Navy tax centers provides an important money-saving alternative to costly refund anticipation loans offered by many commercial tax-preparation companies.

Blackmar said last year NAF Atsugi’s VITA center aided 79 service members, families and civilians and more than $165,000 in federal refunds and $20,000 in state refunds were disbursed.

With a team of volunteers, the VITA center is staffed and ready to provide any support customers may need.

The office will remain open through June 15 on an appointment basis only.

Customers can set up an appointment by calling 264-4015.

Customers will need to bring in a W-2, social security card, common access card, 1099 forms and any banking information regarding interest or capital gains and losses.

PICTURED: FFSC PERSONAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR BRAD MORGAN

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PHOTOS BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

LOCAL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS GET ENGLISH LESSONS

Seventy-six Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Sailors and Tareo Elementary School Students partipated in a semi-annual english exchange program at the base’s food court. The event was hosted to promote friendship and camaraderie between the base and the local community. During the event Sailors practiced English with 5th and 6th grade students from Terao Elementary School in addition to playing games like jump rope and hop-scotch.

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NAVAL OPSEC:

TRAIN ANYWHERE ANYTIME

Story by mc3 ryan greene

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

The Navy recently released a new mobile operational security (OPSEC) application.

The app, which was released Dec., 3, 2015, was created by the Naval OPSEC Support Team (NOST), Navy Education and Training Center (NETC) Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240), and TRACEN Technologies, and is designed to make annual training requirements more accessible to Sailors.

Not only can Sailors complete required annual training on the app, but they as well as their family members and Department of the Navy (DON) civilians can access related resources and policies.

“Military family members play an active role in OPSEC and are responsible for protecting unclassified critical information,” said Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Security Manager Sean Spears. “The app gives Sailors an alternative to completing their required general military training online.”

Upon completing the training, Sailors and Department of the Navy civilians will be given instructions for automatically updating their electronic training jacket.

Updates are expected to occur within two days, according to the Director of the Naval OPSEC Support Team Jim Magdalenski.

The OPSEC app features several sections including policy and guidance, Navy tactics, techniques and procedures, marine corps warfighting publication and more.

Additionally users will be able to access information and resources to assist OPSEC program managers in conducting assessments at their command, including step-by-step guides, briefing tools, checklists, sample questionnaires and more.

“OPSEC officers will have all the appropriate reference material at their fingertips to enhance their ship or shore command programs,” said Magdalenski. “The ultimate goal is persistent training and education for Sailors, civilians and family on OPSEC, ultimately enhancing the readiness of the Navy.”

To find the free Navy OPSEC app search “Naval OPSEC” on your smart phone’s app store or web browser.

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SCREENSHOT OF THE OPSEC APP

HNRO REP DOES PROMO AT LOCAL RADIO STATION Story by mcsn matthew duncker

C

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

ommunity outreach is about closing a cultural gap through service. By working together towards a common goal a bridge is built between the installation and the local communities.

In keeping with this, Sumie Maruyama, a representative for NAF Atsugi Host Nation Relations Office (HNRO), visits FM Yamato radio station’s Morning Radio Scramble monthly to speak about the base’s special events and community outreach programs.

Maruyama has been a guest on FM Yamato’s morning program, hosted by Disc Jockey Teruo “Johnny” Amanuma, since 2011. FM Yamato is the largest radio broadcaster in the Yamato city area, with an audience of 2.5 million listeners. The station’s stated goal is to support the improvement of the local culture, and enrich civic life and the activity of the local economy and public relations in the area.

“The station would ask me for news from the base, but over the years it would happen more infrequently,” said Maruyama. “When Johnny became the host of the morning show, he asked

if I would like to speak on his program and focus more on the positive aspects of Atsugi and its Sailors.

For one hour I talk about special events and the community service projects that the base participates in.”

Since August 2012, Maruyama has organized base participation in the Yamato Station cleanup with local citizens and many other communities.

In November of that same year, Sailors and local citizens began a joint effort to clean up outside the fence line of the installation.

“My main focus on the show is to highlight the Sailors volunteering for the Yamato Station and Atsugi fence line cleanup,” said Maruyama. “By informing the listeners about how Sailors and local citizens work together in public cleaning projects, we hope to inspire others to not only volunteer their own time for a good cause, but also to meet and get to know the Sailors stationed at Atsugi.”

By both organizing volunteer opportunities for Sailors and communicating to the radio audience in Yamato, Maruyama is helping to build a bridge between the installation and the local citizens that reside around it, one based on public service and cooperation.

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PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Housing Welcome Center

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

How do you describe your department’s primary mission?

The NAF Atsugi Housing Welcome Center (AHWC) is charged to provide adequate and safe Housing for the Military residents assigned. This includes Housing for Military Families, Unaccompanied members, DODEA Teachers, and some Civilians.

The AHWC is a walk in operation where customer service is our number priority. There’s more than 80 years of experience housing Service members amongst the staff. Counseling on best courses of action regarding their Housing needs is where we excel.

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

For six months during deployment cycle, communication between the Housing office and family members is critical.

Ensuring any maintenance or in/out bound PCS services are executed in a professional manner is priority. This gives the deployed Service member piece of mind that their families are given outstanding customer service so they can focus on their readiness mission.

Something special...

Though the potential reduction of forces exist on Atsugi, that’s not stopping major projects to support both Family and Unaccompanied members. Lounges in all Unaccompanied Housing buildings are being remodeled and bicycle racks are being built for two Towers. There’s exterior painting projects, roof replacement, and elevator replacement projects in the near future.

What primary services do you provide and who are your primary HOW CAN YOUR CUSTOMERS REACH YOU? customers?

Primary services offered by the AHWC are assignments to DSN: 264-3795 COM: 0467-63-2701

Unaccompanied Housing, two, three, and four Bedroom Family Tower, Townhomes, and Garden apartments, off base Housing referral services in the local community, temporary or loaner furniture and appliances for both on and off base use, and Family Housing Self Help Warehouse. Our primary customers are Military members assigned to NAF Atsugi. We conduct a weekly Housing orientation brief during Atsugi Orientation week giving brief descriptions of our Housing program and answering questions or concerns from our potential customers.

The NAF Atsugi Housing Welcome Center (AHWC) is the first step for our military and USCS families and unaccompanied service members in establishing not just a residence, but a place in our community they can call “home.” The AHWC team is devoted to ensuring everyone is provided comfortable housing. But AHWC is more than just assignments - did you know they provide referrals, temporary furniture until your households good arrive, appliances, and more? AHWC is where “home” begins. BZ to the housing team!

Capt. John F. 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 FEBRUARY.

THE VOLUNTEER GROUP THIS MONTH WAS GREATER THAN THE SPACE AVAILABLE TO LIST BY NAME. THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT VOLUNTEER SUPPORT: AIMD 5 SAILORS ASD 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!

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

PUBLIC WORKS

NAF Atsugi Public Works Departmant (PWD) now offers locksmith services to customers. BU2 Gene Miller, Makoto Kojima and Hiroaki Nasu were recently certified locksmiths. After spending eight weeks training in Kentucky, these Public Works personnel are proficient in all GSA safes, locks and vaults, and are trained to adequately address the needs of customers onboard NAF Atsugi.

EA1 Richard Vilar, of PWD, was named NAVFAC Far East Sailor of the Quarter for his leadership and professional achievement acting as leading petty officer, career counselor and community volunteer from October to December 2015.

- Lt. Allison Islin

NAVSUP

Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Yokosuka recently named two Sailors from Atsugi as winners of the 2015 Fiscal Year Sailor of the Year competition, competing with other logisticians among 16 sites located throughout 7th Fleet area of operations.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Gabriela Herring was selected as Sailor of the Year and Loistics Specialist Seaman Alan Pryor was selected Jacket of the Year. A ceremony was conducted at NAVSUP FLC headquarters, on Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka and presided over by NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Commanding Officer Capt. Raymond Bichard on Dec. 10, 2015.

- Michiko Robbins

HSM 51

The Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 Warlords deployed all four assigned detachments in January. HSM-51 provides combat-ready MH-60R anti-surface and anti-subsurface expeditionary helicopter detachments to the USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), all operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. HSM-51 is projected to collectively deploy all four detachments more than 600 combined days in 2016 .

- Lt. j.g. Jason McClinton

VFA 27

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 Ordnance and Avionics team recently received a perfect score during a recent Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection. The team demonstrated their technical ability and knowledge of safely and effectively preparing F/A-18E weapons systems as well as properly loading and delivering ordnance. The team’s score demonstrates the command’s readiness for upcoming TRANS-PAC and following detachment to NAS Fallon for Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program.

- Lt. Brandon Allgood

COMFAIRFWD

Commander Fleet Air Forward Sailors visited with Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano and a few players at Camp Zama for motivational inspiration recently.

The “Play 60” program promoted the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by encouraging families to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. They also VFA 195 encouraged military families to track their Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 activities and minutes.

Sailors demonstrated “Dambuster” pride - AMC Eric L. O’Connell when more than 20 Sailors and family members volunteered to feed the homeless in Branch Health ClinicAtsugi Yokohama, Jan. 17. Donations were used to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka’s Branch purchase several large bags of clothing and Health Clinic Atsugi is preparing to celebrate blankets for those in need within the local Certified Nurses’ Day, March 19. The clinic Japanese community. The group joined will be recognizing Adult Health Clinical Specialist (CNS) Lt. Cmdr. Betty Sailors from Camp Zama and Commander Nurse Alexander (one of just 3,800 Adult Health Fleet Activities Yokosuka, who volunteer CNS practicing in her specialty) Board their time in the Yokohama each Sunday.

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Lt. - Lt. Amy Lowe Cmdr. Britney Saito (one of just 54,000 in her specialty) and Board Certified MedicalSurgical Lt. Anuel Felipe (one of 24,000 in his specialty).

- Lt. Amanda Jimenez

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