Skywriter — September 2021

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI SEPTEMBER 2021

20 Years later:

NAF Atsugi Holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

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September is Suicide Prevention Month

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Deputy Public Affairs Officer Greg Mitchell

20 Years later: NAF Atsugi Holds 9/11 Remembrance Page 04

Editor Greg Mitchell Skywriter Staff MC2 Olivier Clement MC3 Rafael Avelar Public Affairs Staff Ikumi Tanaka Maika Fujisaki

September is Suicide Prevention Month

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Japan Corner: Explore Lake Ashi Page 10

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ONLINE

On The

Cover

Front: NAF Atsugi Sailors present an American flag during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

Back: NAF Atsugi Sailor rings bell in remembrance of people who passed away because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Rafael Avelar.

CMDCM CORNER

With Command Master Chief Weba Roberts Team, September happens to be Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month. It is a chance for all to understand suicide warning signs and risk factors. If we can identify those at risk, it gives us an opportunity to intervene early enough to prevent a suicide.

This month also is a way to promote psychological health and serves as a way to promote psychological health and suicide awareness and prevention, and encourage Service members and civilian personnel to access behavioral health and emotional well-being resources when needed.

If anyone knows of a person who is in need of help, there are several resources to refer to such as the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.

Locally aboard the installation, if someone you know is in immediate danger or contemplating suicide, please call 911. Our duty chaplain is available 24 hours a day as well. For further information dial 264-3000. Please remember that your intervention may potentially save the life of someone in need.

September 19, 1777

September 6, 1944 USS Independence (CVL 22) begins the use of a specially trained air-group for night work. This time was the first in which a fully equipped night carrier operated with a fast carrier task force.

During the American Revolution, the British cutter HMS Alert captures the brig Lexington.

September 11, 2001 American Airlines Flight 77 is hijacked by terrorists and hits the Pentagon, causing 184 fatalities. Specific to DON, the fatalities are: 33 military personnel, six civilians, and three contractors. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 hit the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center, New York City. United Airlines Flight 93 goes down in Shanksville, Pa., after passengers engage the hijackers.

September 28, 1850 Flogging on Navy and merchant marine ships is abolished by an appropriation bill by Congress, which President Millard Fillmore signs into law.

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20 Years later: NAF Atsugi Holds 9/11 Remembrance NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

ATSUGI, Japan - Active duty service members, civilians, and family members alike attended a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi to memorialize the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

The observance was held at Cinema 77 aboard the installation, Friday, Sept. 10.

NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer, Captain Manning Montagnet; acting Executive Officer, Cmdr. Brett Meskimen; and acting Command Master Chief, aviation Boatswains Mate Senior Chief Alan Libungan joined the Atsugi community in attendance.

“Today marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville Pennsylvania,” said Master-AtArms 1st Class Morgan Parlan, who served as the event MC. “As we honor the 9/11 heroes, victims, their families and friends left behind, we would also like to recognize the first responders and brave service men and women stationed around the world who protect our nation each and every day. We will never forget those we lost in these senseless attacks, and may this anniversary serve as a reminder of this great nation’s strength, resilience, and commitment to the cause of freedom.”

After the Parading of the Colors and playing of the United States and Japanese National Anthems, the invocation led by Chaplain Lt. Ruth

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Rafael Avelar Sailors assigned to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi fold an American flag during a remembrance ceremony held onboard the installation Sept. 10, 2021 in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Rivera. Those in attendance then paused for a moment of silence.

9/11 was the worst act of foreign terrorism in American history.

There were 2,792 people killed as American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the World Trade Center towers.

Forty passengers and crew died when United Flight 93 went down in Pennsylvania, and 184 perished as American Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon.

These numbers do not reflect the first responders and rescue workers who lost their lives that day, or military lives lost in support of the on-going war on terrorism.

Selected service members then proceeded to perform the readings of the fateful timeline of events, which

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included the ceremonial passing of the flag. The flag was passed in remembrance of all who perished on Sept. 11, 2001 - and for those in uniform who have lost their lives in the war on terrorism.

For some in attendance, the events of 9/11 had an everlasting impact on their livelihood.

“The events of 9/11 altered the course of many lives.”

U.S. Navy photos by MC2 AngeOlivier Clement and MC3 Rafael Avelar

“The morning the planes hit, I was sitting at my third grade desk, preparing to start my day,” said Master-At-Arms 1st Class Mishone Watson, who served as the event coordinator. “We were going over math when another teacher came in and stated we needed to watch the news. I was young but I was also very sensitive to others’ feelings.

Watching my teacher cry, I realized the pain of what was going on. I was overcome with a sense of shock as I saw the towers fall not really knowing the extent of what was going on.”

Vividly remembering the country grieving over the devastation, Watson said that she did not decide right

then and there that she wanted to join the military, but she did decide she wanted to be a doctor to help those in need during times of peril and strife, viewing her decision to join the navy in the same light.

9/11 forever holds a special place in Watson’s heart.

“As we approached this day of remembrance, I decided to coordinate this event because it brought America together,” said Watson. “It showed that all people and everyone’s lives have the same value and brought a sense of nationalism that made us grateful for each other, a feeling we all need to know now, that we are all in this never ending fight, together.”

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NAF Atsugi has been home to Sailors and their families for nearly 60 years and the only permanently forward deployed, co-located Air Wing, Carrier Air Wing Five for more than 28 years.

The only Naval installation supporting an entire Air Wing, Atsugi supports more than 40 award- Winning tenant commands, which not only guarantee mission accomplishment, but also ensure the success of the commands’ numerous community and youth programs through teamwork and volunteerism.

September is Suicide Prevention Month It is a reminder that mental health does not have to be a battle waged on your own.

Sadly, for the past 10 years, suicide has been either the second or third leading cause of death among service members. This trend can be reversed!

Do you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else?

• Suicidal ideations including thoughts of suicide expressed, threatened, written or otherwise hinted at by efforts to find means to suicide, say goodbye or prepare for death • Increased or excessive alcohol or drug use • Feeling purposeless, anxiety or trapped • Having frequent night­mares, or unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time • Seemingly hopeless about self, others, the future • Withdrawing from family, friends, usual activities, society.

• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge for perceived wrongs • Acting recklessly, without regard for consequences, or doing excessively risky behaviors • Experiencing dramatic changes or unstable moods Studies have indicated that as many as eight out of ten people give warning of their intention to commit suicide. While we think of symptoms as being hidden, more often, the warning signs are not recognized. If not responded to, the person's thoughts could progress to action – a suicide attempt.

All talk of and attempts at suicide should be taken seriously.

People who have thoughts of dying should seek support.

Why? The majority of people who attempt suicide are confused about whether they want to live or die.

Most people want to live better and happier lives but need relief from the intense emotional pain they are experiencing.

First, know yourself. What risk factors or warning signs are present in your life? What protective factors and personal assets help you cope in tough times? Seek assistance in skill building workshops or counseling to address deficits and to increase strengths.

Second, be willing and prepared to intervene on behalf of someone who is thinking of suicide.

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Follow these steps:

1. Know that you make a difference. In demonstrating care your impact may be immediate or long term. Doing nothing is not an option – someone’s life may be at stake!

2. Recognize risk factors and warning sign. Don’t make excuses or rationalize the symptoms. Move forward with addressing them.

3. Ask the person directly, “Have you thought of suicide?”

4. Care about their response by listening and demonstrating empathy. Rather than solving the problem, try to see it from their point of view – something that’s so overwhelming, that causes them to feel so desperate, that dying seems like the only solution.

5. Connect them to treatment options.

• If the person has a means and a plan to commit suicide then call emergency responders.

• Other options for treatment include any medical treatment facility, Fleet & Family Support Center, Chaplain’s office, the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at your command. There are also community organizations including the Suicide Prevention Hotline, the Veteran’s Crisis Line, Military One Source and mental health offices in each of the local cities.

• Remember informal support systems too, including trusted friends or family members.

Fleet & Family Support Center 315) 264 - 3372 Duty Chaplain 315) 264 - 3202 Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255) press option 1 Or Text to 838255 Military One Source 1-800-342-9647

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Japan Corner: Explore Lake Ashi !

Lake Ashi, also referred to as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshū, Japan. It is a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano that last erupted in 1170 CE at Ōwakudani.

The lake is known for its views of Mount Fuji, its numerous hot springs, historical sites, and ryokan. The lake is located on the Tōkaidō road, the main link between Kyoto and Tokyo. A number of pleasure boats and ferries traverse the lake, providing scenic views for tourists and passengers. Several of the boats are inspired by the design of sailing warships.

Most visitors to Lake Ashi stay in one of the hotels or ryokan located in the area to visit some of the local attractions. There is also a campsite at the north end of the lake.

Hakone Shrine is a shrine that has been visited by shōgun, samurai, and many travelers over the centuries. Large sections of the Old Tōkaidō road are preserved here. Onshi Park was the summer retreat for the imperial family that is now a public park.

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Taking the aerial tram Hakone Ropeway to The Great Boiling Valley. From Togendai on Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway aerial tram connects to Sounzan, the upper terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car funicular railway. This in turn connects to the Hakone Tozan Line mountain railway for the descent to Odawara and a connection to Tokyo by the Tōkaidō Shinkansen.

Visitors can also take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise with its pirate ships from Togendai to Moto-Hakone Port and HakoneMachi Port on opposite ends of the lake. The cruise line began in 1950.

The name means “lake of reeds” in Japanese: (ashi) is “reed” and (ko) is “lake”. The abundance of nature makes it popular with hikers. There are many trails with different levels of challenge.

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

For Appointments: 264-3959 or 0467-63-3311

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The Final Word WITH NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICER

CAPT. J. M. MONTAGNET NAF Atsugi Community, First, let me give a quick shout out again to our terrific team of command ombudsmen! We had an excellent opportunity to celebrate these ladies at an appreciation luncheon recently, and then, I had the pleasure of joining them for our monthly Ombudsmen Assembly the next day.

I was pleased to share with everyone the latest status of our fight against COVID-19. By now, most of you should be aware that we've observed a dramatic drop-off in cases around the region. That reduction has resulted in the low-threat opening of activities and travel in almost every city in Kanagawa, save for about six locations. But, I'm thrilled that — locally — we can all go out to dinner and enjoy a lot of the activities that were suddenly locked down with the fifth wave. So, there's a lot of good news here: In addition to a dramatic decline in cases, the number of total vaccinated in Japan has already exceeded 50 percent — and the take rate is increasing each week; we have every reason to believe Kanagawa itself should reach a threshold that will allow us to review our return to mask-free activities here in the base.

Meanwhile on the vaccine front: We're closing in on 100 percent with our uniformed military members. Also, we're within a little over 60 days to complete this requirement so, if you are uniformed, keep in mind the vaccine is mandated, so be sure you're in compliance.

Next, let me turn to another subject of great priority to all of us: Suicide Awareness. Both the Navy and DoD wide the suicide rate is up. One loss to suicide is too many. Something in the decision-making in suicide victims trigger depression and then a fateful, catastrophic loss in hope and meaning. No matter what is happening in our lives, this is just a price too high.

We need to think hard: for the most part, any potential loss is always an opportunity for intervention. So, I would ask everyone to be sensitive to your family members, friends, and shipmates. Be alert to signs of depression, loneliness, and any talk of being meaningless — either in our relationships, our work, or our social connections. Life is so much more precious than those moments in life that challenge our sense of worth and meaning. There is always an alternative.

Plus, there are so many resources for those who are feeling depressed, isolated, or alone. Our Fleet and Family Service Center, Chaplains, even elders in your chain of command. But there's nothing that replaces family, friends, and colleagues to look to for the restoration of life — affirmation and meaning. Then, of course, be a shipmate to anyone you suspect needs an affirmative hand.

So let's continue to look out for each other, please. September is suicide prevention month, but this is an all-year concern and an issue we can all wrap our arms around. As always, please be vigilant of your family, friends, co-workers and shipmates and it starts with putting a smile on someone's face today!

CAPT John M. Montagnet Commanding Officer U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan

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Never Forget