November 1, 2015

Inside: CVN 76

REPLACES

CVN 73

Pg. 6

What’s Inside...

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

CVW 5 Talks Relocation

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Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Editor MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Holiday Mailing Deadlines

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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

New CNO at the Helm

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ON THE COVER Have you been curious about the programs offered at FFSC? Then look no further. Check out the many resource videos on the FFSC providers and more on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/NAFAtsugi or by using the QR code.

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AVIATION STRUCTURAL MECHANIC (EQUIPMENT) 3RD CLASS STEVEN BRITTEL SIGNALS TO THE PILOT OF A F/A 18F SUPER HORNET UPON THE RETURN OF CVW 5.

(PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY A. RILEY)

Turning the Page

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

October 6, 1995, Skywriter magazine featured a photo of Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Mike Boorda briefing reporters on the Navy’s newly unveiled F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The printed caption predicted that the advanced aircraft would “Likely change the face of NAF Atsugi in the future.”

September 29, 2015, F/A18F Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 arrive at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi on a mid-cruise break. As predicted, the arrival of the Super Hornet to NAF Atsugi did change the face of the installation and the way daily air operations are conducted.

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MAKING THE MOVE

CARRIER AIR WING 5 Discusses

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

Relocation

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni leadership discuss their brief before presenting it to memebers of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.

Story by Deputy PAO Natalie Stamey

we’re all going to be together in the future.”

In addition to growing relationships, the town hall also served a practical purpose of gathering questions and concerns from the Sailors and families directly affected by the relocation.

Enfield explained that the next step in planning is an integrated working group meeting between top leadership from the Navy’s U.S. 7th Fleet and Marine Corps Forces Pacific.

“What is important is that we have your questions so that we can address your concerns at the working group level,” he explained. “We will have [admirals and generals] in the room, ready to hear those concerns and get their staff working on solutions for you.”

Operational dates for when squadrons and families will begin moving to Iwakuni have not yet been released, but Enfield stressed that coordination is ongoing and the end goal is a smooth transition for all involved.

“We want to make sure that we have it right. The goal we’re striving for is to get each family door to door, so when they leave here and go down there and move into a house, they’re ready to go as much as possible,” he said.

Thomason also stressed that the arrival of CVW 5 will add to the highly prized reputation MCAS Iwakuni already holds.

“Iwakuni is a hidden gem in the Marine Corps. It’s growing in strategic importance and CVW 5’s move there will impact the community to be a more robust, betterrounded community.”

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office In the ongoing plans to relocate Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 from Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, a team of more than 20 Marine Corps program managers visited NAF Atsugi on Oct. 7 to participate in a brief about their installation’s resources.

CVW 5 is the largest tenant command aboard NAF Atsugi, meaning thousands of Sailors and families attached to the air wing will be making the move south in the coming years.

According to CVW 5 Commanding Officer Capt. John Enfield, both the U.S. Navy and the Government of Japan have been pouring resources into the expansion of MCAS Iwakuni.

“If you were there prior to 2009, it was a quaint little base in between the rivers on the bay,” he said. “Now it’s twice that size. The Government of Japan has invested 4.5 billion dollars into making that our new home.”

The town hall was coordinated and hosted by CVW 5 and featured a panel of representatives from MCAS Iwakuni, including managers from Housing, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Medical and Dental, Religious Ministries, Vehicle Registration and the Veterinary Clinic.

“We are poised to welcome you into our family,” said MCAS Iwakuni Executive Officer Lt.Col. Gary Thomason as he addressed the families. “This is a great way to start our relationship, because that’s exactly what it is. It’s a relationship about where we are now, who we are, and how 4

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

Covering the Globe : One Mission at a Time Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Tristin Reid, watches out the port window of a C-12 cargo plane during a cargo flight.

rear of the planes are the naval aircrewmen who watch for radar contacts, monitor various radio frequencies and ensure the comfort of their passengers.

“This is my first duty station, so having the opportunity to view and patrol more than 60 percent of the world’s landmass is a massive responsibility,” said Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Tristin Reid, assigned to the NAF Atsugi Air Terminal. “There is no better place for me than to be right here flying around the world, carrying out the mission of the United States Navy, and visiting foreign places.”

But these flights aren’t all high-powered evolutions in international showmanship or diplomacy. Sometimes a flight is as simple as needing to keep current on flight hours and regulations, Szoka noted.

“While we do operate throughout the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, the flights we’re conducting around Japan are strictly for keeping current,” said Szoka. “There are many guidelines for keeping up-to-date on our air time, types of flights and other specifications. It can be a bit daunting at times, but our aircrew does a great job at tracking everything.”

“At the end of the day, we’re forward-deployed to Japan to be the tip of the spear,” Lt. Cmdr. David Sithibandith, of Commander, Fleet Air Forward said. “Ultimately, we’re here to help support the U.S. Navy’s mission in the Pacific, however we can, and I’m proud to be part of an elite team that ensures we can make that happen.”

Story and Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office For the leadership of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, flying from Tokyo to Saipan and back is just another day in the life of a forward-deployed Sailor.

The executive leadership at NAF Atsugi leads a team of 14 committed pilots who are assigned to various shorebased commands aboard NAF Atsugi. This group of aviators flies logistical missions which cover 60 percent of the world’s surface area.

“I can be called at any time to fly almost anywhere,” said NAF Atsugi Executive Officer Cmdr. Matt Szoka.

“Sometimes these flights are a simple transportation mission, other times it involves flying nose-to-nose with the pilots and aircraft of other nations, both friendly and not.”

In addition to Szoka, the commanding officer, operations officer and flights and planning officers can also be called upon to assist with any mission in the Western Pacific.

“I’ve had an incredible opportunity to fly during my time here at (NAF) Atsugi,” said NAF Atsugi Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Eugene Trelles. “I’ve flown through more countries in a week than we would do in a whole shipboard deployment. It’s very different learning to adapt to the various ways countries around the Pacific Rim operate. It has definitely caused me to be a better and stronger aviator.”

Pilots are not the only ones watching the skies. In the 5

PHOTO BY MC3 DYLAN MCCORD

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) enters the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

THREE PRESIDENT’S CREW RETURNS TO SEVENTH FLEET 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) MEDIA DEPARTMENT

Sailors man the rails of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) pulling into Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Albert Mendez. “Being forward deployed naval forces we’re first responders, so we have to be ready at all times.”

Ronald Reagan is one of the most modern aircraft carriers. The technology Ronald Regan is bringing to 7th Fleet is an example of the U.S.’s commitment to the region and the progress of bringing the newest equipment to operate with the forward deployed naval forces.

The crew has undergone multiple training evolutions and qualifications to include damage control and medical drills as well as flight deck certifications during the ship’s transit from San Diego to prepare for operations in 7th Fleet.

“We are here to defend our nation,” said Lt. Cmdr. Freddie Koonce, Ronald Reagan’s Aircraft Handling Officer. “In order to prepare for our mission, we have to train. That’s how we get better.”

Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Story by MC3 Class Nathan Burke USS RonalD Reagan (CVN 76) Media Department The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) entered the 7th Fleet area of operations, Sept. 17.

“Ronald Reagan’s forward deployment to 7th Fleet demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region and our allies,” said Rear Adm. John Alexander, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet. “It reiterates the importance of the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force interoperability, and ensures we have the most capable platform forward when it matters, where it matters.”

The 7th Fleet area of operations includes 36 maritime countries and the world’s five largest foreign armed forces - the People’s Republic of China, Russia, India, North Korea and the Republic of Korea. Five of the seven U.S. Mutual Defense Treaties are with countries in the area - Republic of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

“It’s an important area for us to protect,” said 7

Story contributions by uss ronald reagan (CVN 76) Media department and NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

On Oct. 2 Carrier Air Wing Five returned from deployment aboard a different carrier than the one they left on.

When the carrier air wing boarded the USS George Washington (CVN 73), they knew that it would be their last time as a unit.

“Deploying our most capable units forward enhances the Navy’s ability to contribute to the defense of Japan and meet our commitments under the terms of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America,” said Rear Adm. John Alexander, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet.

Because of the need to keep America’s most technologically advanced units forward deployed, the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) was selected to replace the George Washington as America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

“Ronald Reagan is 11 years newer than George Washington, which means the [Ronald Reagan] has benefited from 11 years of evolving technology,” said Capt. Christopher Bolt, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer.

Ronald Reagan departed Naval Base North Island in

PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

CVW5

Returns on the Reagan

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PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

Coronado, California, Aug. 3 after completing a hull swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George Washington. During her transit across the Pacific Ocean, Ronald Reagan completed a blue water certification, replenishment at sea, day and night flight operations and damage control and medical drills.

In 2011 Ronald Reagan served as a refueling station for Japanese coast guard and U.S. military helicopters, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief off the Sendai Coast of Japan during Operation Tomodachi, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

“The United States values Japan’s contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there,” said Alexander.”

NAF Atsugi’s Inaugural Emergency Management Symposium

Joint U.S. Navy and local Japanese emergency management officials from nine cities surrounding Naval Air Facility Atsugi assembled for a first-ever, local disaster preparedness symposium September 30.

The symposium defined and tightened roles and responsibilities of multiple emergency responders from both Japanese and Navy agencies to aid and protect both the local citizens of Japan surrounding NAF Atsugi, and the base’s near 9,000 residents in case of disaster.

“Our intent is to build our mutual support agreements and training exercises to enhance interoperability should disaster take place,” said Commander Matthew Szoka, NAF Atsugi’s executive officer.

He should know. In 2011, Szoka was the pilot of the first helicopter that delivered humanitarian aid

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

National Disaster Preparedness Training Center Weather and Climate Program Coordinator Owen Shieh explains a weather graphic.

Story by Public Affairs Officer H. Sam Samuelson NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

to the Tohoku region of Japan following that country’s most devastating earthquake in history.

“In the past 20 years, earthquakes in Japan have resulted in over 25,000 deaths,” Szoka reported.

Since NAF Atsugi is the only airport within Kanagawa prefecture, it is perfectly positioned as a hub of transportation for evacuation and logistics delivery and distribution.

Chuck Kramer, NAF Atsugi’s Training Director, and coordinator of the symposium said its geographic location also makes NAF Atsugi the perfect location to gather the most important leaders of local emergency management and community governance.

“This symposium brings the heads of Japanese and American leadership together in one room to speak on issues of national importance while also serving to reinforce valuable memorandums of agreement we have with nine cities and various Japanese governmental entities,” Kramer said.

Keynote speaker for the event is noted climatologist Owen Shieh, Weather and Climate Program Manager with the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center in Pearl Harbor. Shieh agreed the symposium was a necessary and valuable opportunity in disaster preparedness.

“This is the bread and butter of the training world,” he said.

“Interagency work is some of the most important work we can do before any sort of disaster or destruction occurs.”

Shieh said residents of Japan may receive weather emergency related information from a Japanese source, while Navy residents and contractors from another source, such as the 10

Joint Typhoon Watch Center. “So, these events go to the core of what it is to pre-plan and get to know the people and organizational structures in any emergency or event.

“I think the clearest case of this would be the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake where the U.S. military was immediately prepared to deliver supplies and material; and that’s a simple product of time and proximity that allowed them to be so efficient.”

One of the closest cities bordering NAF Atsugi, Ebina, was represented

by Vice Mayor Toyohiko Katou. He recalled the value of joint disaster preparedness.

“When the Tohoku earthquake (Great East Japan earthquake 2011) occurred, Ebina’s sister city in the northern prefecture of Miyagi, Shiroishi City, was devastated by the destruction and damage,” Katou said.

“Ebina was the only city to call upon the NAF Atsugi to render aid, delivering water, rice, and providing transport.”

Fellow municipal leader, Yamato City Vice Mayor Noboru Inoue, agreed.

“Because we have a standing memorandum of agreement, we want to communicate more clearly and operate more closely with our American counterparts in the event of disaster or calamity.”

Ultimately, the greatest benefit of the symposium is for residents both on base and off base, said XO Szoka.

“Through this symposium it is our intent to foster relationships and alliances to aid the people of our respective communities and this great nation,” Szoka said.

PHOTO BY PS3 VIVIAN BLAKLEY

A Sailor loads boxes from the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Post Office before sorting it and processing it for pick-up.

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Welcome Aboard ADM Richardson

New CNO Addresses Fleet “I’d first like to thank Adm. Jon Greenert and his wife Darleen for their magnificent service to our country for over 40 years and especially for their role in leading our Navy these past four years.

They have been tireless and superb advocates for our Sailors and their families, our Navy, and our Nation.

I hold some core beliefs about our Navy that guide me. The Naval profession is founded on bonds of trust and confidence – between us and the American people, and amongst us as members of our Navy team.

The Navy must be at sea, underway. We must be present in key areas of the world protecting American interests – enabling access to international markets and trade, responding to crises, and providing security.

We must be able to operate seamlessly with others. Our premier partner is the United States Marine Corps. We also operate closely with our fellow services, and our allies and partners.

The muscle and bones of the Navy are our ships, submarines and aircraft – highly capable, exercised daily, well equipped, and ready to operate at sea and far from home.

But the heart and soul of the Navy is you, our people. Every day around the world, you can be found on, under, and over the sea. You are smart, resourceful, committed Americans who want to be part of something special – to serve our country and to be part of a highperforming team.

You are rightly proud of what you do and you are a formidable force.

I believe in the strength that flows from our families. The Richardsons

are a typical Navy family – 20 moves, dozens of schools, stationed all around the country and overseas.

Today, the Richardson family, like all Navy families, remains strong and ready to serve our nation.

America sends us their sons and daughters, their brothers and sisters, their fathers and mothers, to join our team and go to sea with us – if needed, into harm’s way. In return for that commitment, we must provide a positive and respectful environment where we can all thrive and reach our highest potential.

Finally, the American people demand, as they should, that we execute our mission in a prudent and responsible way, worthy of their confidence in us.

It is a privilege to work with, and especially to lead, such a capable

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and creative team. Despite growing challenges and significant strains, you continue to go to sea to do what must be done today, and you create and innovate in order to prevail tomorrow. You learn faster, adapt quicker, and fight harder than any adversary.

The bottom line is that in any situation, in any competition, and certainly in any fight, America expects that their Navy will find a way to win – and we will.

Thank you for your leadership and service to keep our nation secure. I am extremely proud to be part of this amazing team. I will give everything I have to honor and strengthen the bonds of trust and confidence we share, and that make our Navy the strongest that has ever sailed the seas.”

-Adm. John M. Richardson,

31st Chief of Naval Operations

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PHOTO BY MC1 NATHAN LAIRD

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson delivers a speech at a change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Academy.

PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Air Operations Department

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

How do you describe your department’s primary mission?

Our primary mission is to manage and maintain daily airfield operations. To fully support the Air Terminal while assisting military and civilian personnel for leave, transit, travel and TDY. Our mission also includes maintaining and operating ground support equipment for the loading and un-loading of equipment and cargo while maintaining tower operations, airfield arresting gear equipment, the optical landing systems, logistical aircraft with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and coordinate between Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, HSM-51, and host nation local governments.

Air Operations Department encompasses six divisions consisting of 66 Sailors and 8 Master Labor Contractor (MLC) employees. Another fact most people don’t know is that we operate without any wi-fi.

Something special...

Air Operations supports the Space-A program, and contributes to the Sailorization of our Junior Sailors. We have the most combined volunteer hours among NAFA departments and the most Sailors with degrees or who are currently in school. Also, Air Operations is the reigning un-defeated champion of the Atsugi 2015 Summer Basketball Tournament.

What primary services do you provide and who are your primary customers?

Our primary customers for the Air Terminal are active duty military members, military dependents, retired military and civilian personnel. Our expert Air Ops team manages over 3,000 flights a year with thousands of passengers and several hundredthousand pounds of cargo.

What are you department hours if applicable?

The Air Operations Department operates 24/7 across divisions.

“The Air Operations Department represents the core of our ultimate mission onboard NAF Atsugi: to support U.S. air operations. Air Ops coordinates seamlessly between Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, HSM-51, and logistical aircraft with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and host nation local governments ensuring all U.S. aircraft are operationally ready for deployment. The station C-12 aircraft actively fly missions in support of Commander 7th fleet, CVW-5, and Commander Fleet Air Forward/NALO. Bravo Zulu to this vital team of professionals who make NAF Atsugi the AOR’s Capt. John F. Bushey key Navy aviation hub in the Western Pacific.”

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

The services Air Operations provides help support the command, tenant commands, CVW 5 and residents in this AOR of Japan by providing a fully functional and operational airfield required for mission compliance. Additionally, we provide the required training and licensing for airfield vehicle operations that support the air wing, ground support and emergency services departments.

Lastly, Air Operations provides leave, transit and travel free of charge to military members and dependents through the “Space-A” initiative.

CO, NAF Atsugi

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COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

SAVED ROUNDS

PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE NAF ATSUGI COMMUNITY

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLEET & FAMILY SERVICE CENTER

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO CLEAN YAMATO STATION DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER.

Members of the Naval Air Facility Atsugi Ombudsman community gather for a photo during an Ombudsman appreciation dinner at Club Trilogy, held Oct. 6.

AIMD 7 SAILORS ASD 8 SAILORS PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

CFAF 2 SAILORS CNATT 3 SAILORS CVW-5 3 SAILORS HSM-51 2 SAILORS

NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey, right, and Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, left, cut the cake along with Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Tristian Reed representing the oldest and youngest members present during NAF Atsugi’s Navy Ball, held Oct. 8.

HSM-77 32 SAILORS

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

NAFA 5 SAILORS NAVSUP FLC 3 SAILORS PUBLIC WORKS 1 SAILOR

THANK YOU!

Sailors, assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Atsugi, complete a decontamination evolution during a hazardous materials drill in the BHC medical bay on Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, held Oct. 15.

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