Ho'okele - December 2, 2019 (Pearl Harbor-Hickam Magazine)

SOLAR

DECEMBER 2, 2019

JBPHH West Loch Annex

ENERGY PROJECT

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) underway An MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopter, assigned to the “Easyriders” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, prepares to land on the flight deck of the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) Nov. 15. Wayne E. Meyer is underway conducting operations in the Indo-Pacific region while assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 15), the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Rawad Madanat)

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, NAVY REGION HAWAII

AGNES TAUYAN

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, NAVY REGION HAWAII

LYDIA ROBERTSON

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM

CHUCK ANTHONY

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PACIFIC MISSLE RANGE FACILITY

TOM CLEMENTS EDITOR

ANNA MARIE GENERAL ASSIGNMENT EDITOR/MEDIA OPERATIONS OFFICER

MCCS (SW/AW) JACKEY SMITH LAYOUT ARTISTS:

@JointBasePHH

@JBPHH

@NavRegHawaii

@NavyRegionHawaii

@JBPHH

MC2 (EXW) CHARLES OKI GSE2 LEXIE PEREZ ELAINE PHILLIPS

@PacificMissleRangeFacility

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

ERIN HUGGINS SSGT. JASMONET JACKSON DAVID UNDERWOOD MC2 (SW) SARA TRUJILLO

Ho‘okele is a free publication.

All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office: 850 Ticonderoga, Suite 110, JBPHH, Hawaii, 96860-4884. Telephone: (808) 473-2888; fax (808) 473-2876; e-mail address: newspaperjbphh@gmail.com World Wide Web address: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Hawaii/.

This is an authorized publication primarily for members of the uniformed military services and their families in Hawaii. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, and the military branch of services and do not imply endorsement thereof.

A Hui Hou!

CONTENTS

Your Navy Team in Hawaii Commander, Navy Region Hawaii oversees two installations: Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam on Oahu and Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, on Kauai.

As Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, we provide oversight for the ten surface ships homeported at JBPHH. Navy aircraft squadrons are also co-located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, Oahu, and training is sometimes also conducted on other islands, but most Navy assets are located at JBPHH and PMRF. These two installations serve fleet, fighter and family under the direction of Commander, Navy Installations Command.

A guided-missile cruiser and destroyers of Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific deploy independently or as part of a group for Commander, U.S. Third Fleet and in the Seventh Fleet and Fifth Fleet areas of responsibility. The Navy, including your Navy team in Hawaii, builds partnerships and strengthens interoperability in the Pacific.

Each year, Navy ships, submarines and aircraft from Hawaii participate in various training exercises with allies and friends in the Pacific and Indian Oceans to strengthen interoperability. Navy service members and civilians conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions in the South Pacific and in Asia. Working with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy in Hawaii provides drug interdiction and fisheries enforcement operations for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In even-numbered years Hawaii hosts the biennial summer Rim of the Pacific Exercise, the world’s largest military maritime exercise, featuring more than two dozen nations and 25,000 personnel.

The Navy family in Hawaii comprises around 50,000 people, most of whom are active duty service members and their families, and includes nearly 15,000 civilians and contractors as part of our workforce.

JBPHH includes the Pearl Harbor waterfront, Hickam flight line, Wahiawa annex and several other areas in West Oahu and provides a major logistics and other support hub for the military and military families.

Supporting the nation’s ballistic missile defense initiative, the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the western coast of “The Garden Island,” is the world’s largest instrumented multidimensional testing and training missile range.

We provide services to the U.S. Pacific Command, one of DOD’s six geographic combatant commands, with an area of responsibility covering half the globe.

We directly support two component commands whose headquarters are on JBPHH: Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander, U.S. Pacific Air Force. Close to our own Region/MIDPAC headquarters command is Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. With 18 forward-deployable combat-ready U.S. Navy submarines, Pearl Harbor is home to the largest submarine presence in the Pacific. The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, on JBPHH, is the largest ship repair facility between the West Coast and the Far East.

Within our region we support more than 100 tenant commands.

4

West Loch Solar Facility Dedication

6

Three’s Company

7

NAVSUP FLC Top Chef

COMMANDER, NAVY REGION HAWAII AND NAVAL SURFACE GROUP MIDDLE PACIFIC REAR ADM. ROBERT CHADWICK

8-9

New Commander Leads USS Halsey

10-11

December 7th Events

12-13

Hawaii Special Olympics

14-15

Airman and Sailor Spotlights

COMMANDER, JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM CAPT. JEFF BERNARD

16

Finish 2019 Strong

17

Resiliency

PLUS: 10

Diverse Views

18

USO Holiday Events

19

community calendar

20-21

Photo Highlights

COMMANDING OFFICER PACIFIC MISSLE RANGE FACILITY CAPT. TIMOTHY YOUNG

Members of the community participate in a Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony at the West Loch Annex. From left: James Campbell High School Junior ROTC Cadet Ken Cuizon and Cadet Vincent Agustin; Sen. Brian Schatz; Jack Shriver, Project Development Division director; Alan Oshima, HECO president and CEO; Langhet Fegurgur, Ewa Makai Middle School ukelele ensemble student; Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle PaciďŹ c; Dan Alcombright, REC Solar senior vice president for operations; U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Cadet Joshua Gamiao, Cadet Frederick Tamayo and Kahu Kordell Kekoa. (Photo by Christine Rosalin)

Story by Hawaiian Electric Company

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and the Department of the Navy dedicated the 20-megawatt West Loch Solar Project at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam West Loch Annex Nov. 25.

West Loch Solar is producing the lowest-cost renewable energy to date in the state at an estimated 7.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

HECO will own and operate the 80,760-panel solar facility, which was built by REC Solar.

The renewable energy generated by the 102-acre West Loch project will feed into the island’s electric grid and serve all customers on Oahu, including those on base.

The project will save HECO customers at least $109 million over its expected 25-year lifespan, compared with the cost of using oil to generate electricity. It will also reduce the utility’s use of imported oil by 3 million gallons annually. “West Loch Solar is another shining example of how all in Hawaii can work together to create renewable energy, 4 / December 2, 2019 / Ho’okele

reducing our need to import fossil fuel,â€? said Alan Oshima, Hawaiian Electric president and CEO. “We thank the community, the U.S. Navy and the PUC [Public Utilities Commission] for their shared commitment and kĹ?kua [support].â€?

In exchange for the land to host the facility, the utility plans to provide electrical infrastructure upgrades to Navy-owned facilities. “Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is the key strategic installation for our interests in the PaciďŹ c,â€? said Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle PaciďŹ c. “We are pleased to be able to increase our base’s energy resiliency while also helping Hawaiian Electric strengthen the state’s electric grid. Innovative, longterm energy solutions like this mutually enhances the Navy’s readiness and the strength of our local communities.â€?

The Hawaiian Electric Companies are national leaders in the integration of renewable energy on their island grids, using renewables to generate 27% of their electricity.

Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle PaciďŹ c, speaks during a Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony at the West Loch Annex Nov. 25. (Photo by Christine Rosalin)

A row of the newly installed solar panels at the West Loch Solar project aboard West Loch Annex. (Photo by Christine Rosalin)

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 /

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(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

Staff Sgt. Robert Bolton and his wife, Heaven, with their triplets.

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Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Brown 15th Wing Public Affairs

November is National Military Family Appreciation Month and having well supported families helps Airmen take care of the mission.

The Bolton family found themselves in need of help from the Air Force family on their journey of expecting triplets.

Staff Sgt. Robert Bolton was in Guam, preparing a jet to take Airmen into an exercise zone, when he learned that he and his wife, Heaven, were expecting triplets.

“We were both shocked by the news,” said Robert, 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. “I was excited to come home.”

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That wasn’t the first time Robert received news while he was away from home.

“A year ago, we had a miscarriage after eight weeks, and I was working out of town that time too,” said Robert.

“My squadron was really good about immediately putting me on a plane and I was home within six hours. A couple months later we were blessed with these three.”

The Boltons were excited about the pregnancy, but also worried.

“When we were four months pregnant, we found out there was a complication so we had to be sent to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,” said Robert. “My squadron gave me orders to go over there and that was my duty station until it was resolved.”

Robert’s leadership constantly checked on him.

“The whole time we were there they called us,” said Heaven. “The medical team at Hickam was on top of it and made sure everything was okay.”

“My commander, shirt, and supervisor have been wonderful about this entire process,” said Robert.

“The Air Force family has been very helpful. Not just my squadron, but also the medical team and Exceptional Family Member Program.”

The triplets were born Oct. 15 all healthy. However, as is normal with triplets, the babies are premature and have to be kept in an incubator.

While at the hospital, Robert’s squadron delivered meals to the Bolton family.

“When I found out he was having triplets I was shocked,” said Staff Sgt. Francisco Cruz, 15th Aircraft Squadron

aerospace repulsion craftsman.

“I couldn’t imagine having three newborns all at the same time and I just wanted to do whatever I could to help them out.”

“It’s helped out tremendously,” said Robert. “We don’t have to worry about food and we can focus on our babies.

They’ll shoot us a message or give us a call asking what we’re feeling like and then they’ll give us some food.”

During this process, Robert also applied for a position at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

(Layout by GSE3 Lexie Perez)

B

Three’s Company

Part of Air Force life is getting ready for the next assignment. Robert’s leadership helped him with the application process while he’s been taking care of his family.

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R

Perez)

H

‘top chef’

(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

Hawaii commands compete for

Story and photo by Shannon Haney NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor Public Affairs

The Navy Food Management Team (NFMT) from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Pearl Harbor hosted the sixth annual “Top Chef” Culinary Competition at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Nov. 21.

The teams had just 60 minutes to create five portions of one appetizer, one main entrée and one dessert. The theme was “holiday meal” and the teams were required to use ingredients from the approved prime vendor catalog.

Four commands participated in the competition, which was designed to promote camaraderie within the Navy culinary community and showcase the teams’ talent and expertise.

“We are competing but there is still camaraderie between the teams,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Teika Albury. “Having the freedom to be creative and creating our own menu was the best part of the competition.”

Guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), guided missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73), and JBPHH base dining facility Silver Dolphin Bistro all sent culinary teams to the event.

“Competitions like this reinvigorate my love for the culinary specialist rating,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Robert Gabales.

The teams chopped, boiled and fried their ingredients. Then one by one, as the entrees were completed, the teams presented their creations to a panel of judges.

Judges for the event included members from NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor’s NFMT. In evaluating the meals, each judge carefully tasted every dish

and judged them based on three criteria -- creativity and teamwork, taste and wholesomeness, and food and plate presentation.

“I am extremely proud of the teams’ performance,” said Culinary Specialist Submarines Senior Chief Brandon Ramos, NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor NFMT. “They all express a true passion for the [culinary specialist] rating and work well together.”

Although all teams presented strong entries, the team from USS Port Royal (CG 73) won the competition for the third consecutive year in a row with a shrimp skewer with ‘aftershock’ sauce appetizer, prime rib with bacon wrapped asparagus and red skinned potatoes main entrée, and an apple and bananas crepes sprinkled with powdered sugar dessert. USS Halsey (DDG 97) came in second place, and third place was Silver Dolphin Bistro.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Robert Gabales from the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) team presents judges with entrées during the sixth annual Top Chef Competition hosted by NAVSUP [Naval Supply Systems Command] FLC [Fleet Logistics Center] Pearl Harbor’s Navy Food Management Team Nov. 21.

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 /

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New commander leads USS Halsey

By Ensign Brittany Webb-Martin Photos by MC2 (EXW) Charles Oki

C

mdr. Devere Crooks assumed command of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) during a ceremony on the flight deck Nov. 20.

Crooks, a native of San Diego, California, relieved Stoker, from Hudson, Ohio during a ceremony attended by several family, friends, and shipmates. Capt. Todd Whalen, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 9, presided over the event.

“Today, there is no ship in the fleet more combat ready than USS Halsey,” he said. “Michael (Stoker), it’s been my privilege to serve alongside you.”

The ceremony marked the end of a successful 16 month command tour for Stoker during which he oversaw the completion of a compressed maintenance availability with several key overhauls. His leadership also set the standard for a series of several basic phase certification events.

“It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to command Halsey,” he said.

“I am sad that my tour is coming to

an end. It isn’t because of the great American steel of this warship, rather it’s the Sailors that make our ship great,” he added. “It took decades to engineer and design this ship, years to build, and takes 300 dedicated Sailors to ensure a successful command.

Thank you for giving your best each and every day!”

Stoker also reminisced about the honor of being a Pearl Harbor Sailor.

“The ship bears the name of a Pacific Fleet legend, Adm. William ‘Bull’ Halsey,” he said. “Adm. Halsey was an extraordinary hero, and his name

is revered across the Pacific for his leadership and bravery.”

Stoker and his wife Gizella are excited to return to Italy for his next assignment at U.S. Sixth Fleet Headquarters.

Crooks is a graduate of George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs. He previously served in the Pacific Fleet aboard cruisers and destroyers. He also served in Washington, D.C. and in the United Kingdom. He served as executive officer of Halsey from May 2018 to October 2019.

Cmdr. Michael Stoker, left, outgoing commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) turns over command to Cmdr. DeVere Crooks, right, during the Halsey change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 20.

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(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez) (Layout by Anna Marie General)

Cmdr. DeVere Crooks, commanding oďŹƒcer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) salutes the side boys following the Halsey change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam 20.

Ho’okele /Nov. December 2, 2019 / 9

Diverse VIEWS What does being in Hawaii on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during December 7 mean to you?

Submitted by MC2 Charles Oki and GSE2 Lexie Perez

1st Lieutenant Will Turner 747th Communications Squadron “It’s all about remembrance.

It’s nice being so close to the history of it all.”

Pearl Harbor Day

78th anniversary commemoration Events Dec. 7, 2019 will mark 78 years since America was launched into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The following are some commemoration events taking place this year from Dec. 2 to 10. The events listed are free and open to the public.

For the complete list of events, visit http://pearlharborevents.com/events/

DECEMBER 2 Ka Ho’oilina o Hawaii Tech Sgt. Tiffany Self Hickam PME Center “Living here gives you the chance to see the history up close and it makes it more real. It really gives you a different appreciation for what we do.”

Lt Cmdr.

Kathleen Dagher U.S. Pacific Fleet “I just moved to Hawaii this summer so this is a really unique opportunity to be active duty in the Navy and to be able to experience December 7th here.”

Senior Chief Retail Service Specialist Alexander Magbag Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific “Every year, I feel like I’m part of history. Being able to go around the island and see the historical sites means a lot to me being in the service.”

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Did you know that Pearl Harbor was once named Wai Momi, which means “Water of Pearls?” Gain better knowledge about the culture and resources of Hawaii before Dec. 7 at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to noon. Engage in various Hawaiian cultural activities throughout the day. This free, family-friendly event will focus on educating visitors about the values of Hawai’i in relation to the history of Pearl Harbor.

DECEMBER 4 & 8 USS Arizona live dive Join National Park Service divers and participants from the Pearl Harbor Wounded Veterans in Parks project, sponsored by Pacific Historic Parks, as they present a live, interactive broadcast from the submerged USS Arizona shown in the theater at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 4 to 5 p.m. Watch it live by following PearlHarborNPS on Facebook.

DECEMBER 3 Capturing the events of Pearl Harbor -- Art in the park Join us for a day of engaging students and visitors in the history and events that took place during the attack on Pearl Harbor, through the medium of art at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to noon. Activities will be provided for participants of all ages. Come and create art depicting your view on World War II and the effects it had on all those who were involved.

DECEMBER 4 Peace and Reconciliation This free, family-friendly event will use technology to engage students and visitors in the message of peace and reconciliation at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to noon.

DECEMBER 5 Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band Performance

DECEMBER 6 USS Utah MEmorial Sunset Ceremony

The U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band under the direction of Warrant Officer Stephen Talbot presents the MARFORPAC Big Band! The MARFORPAC Big Band will perform on the lanai at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from 9 to 10 a.m. They perform big band jazz classics from the 1910s to current hits from the present.

A USS Utah Memorial Sunset Ceremony will be held at the USS Utah Memorial from 5 to 6 p.m. The ceremony honors the loss of the USS Utah (AG-16) and more than 50 crew. This event is free to patrons with base access. A live broadcast of the event will be available on the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Facebook page.

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Somers T. Steelman

DECEMBER 7, 2019 EVENTS

The 15th Wing “Attack on Hickam Field” Remembrance Ceremony is being held at 7:45, the same time as the first attack wave to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Dec. 7, 1941.

The ceremony is held at Attebury Circle in front of 15th Wing Headquarters on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The ceremonional flyover will occur at 7:55.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration

USS Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony

The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration will be held from 7:50 to 9:15 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center ceremonial lawn.

The public is invited to attend the commemoration. The ceremony will also be available with a live broadcast on the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Facebook Page.

The USS Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the USS Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island. This ceremony honors and commemorates the loss of the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and 429 its crew.

The USS Oklahoma was moored along Battleship Row and was hit by as many as 8 to 12 torpedoes during the attack.

The ship’s port side was opened up by the salvo of torpedoes. The ship capsized 12 minutes after the first torpedo hit.

Public wishing to attend the ceremony may catch a free shuttle departing every 15 minutes from the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, which is adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Due to strict security measures, guests are not allowed to bring handbags, purses, camera bags or other items that offer concealment to the ceremony.

Personal cameras are allowed.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and Ceremony

Note: If you are a Pearl Harbor Survivor or World War II veteran, please contact the Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office at 808-473-1173 or email at CNRH.PAO@navy.mil.

A Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and a public ceremony will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. For more information about the parade, visit www.pearlharborparade.org.

The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy will host the 78th anniversary commemoration ceremony to honor and remember the 2,390 American casualties lost during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu on Dec. 7, 1941.

Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans, family members, and local dignitaries will be in attendance. The keynote speaker is David Bernhardt, Secretary of the Interior. Guest remarks will be provided by U.S Ambassador Harry B. Harris, Republic of Korea.

A moment of silence will be observed at 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began. A ship will render pass-in-review honors to the USS Arizona and all Pearl Harbor Survivors. A missing man flyover conducted by the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawai’i Air National Guard

and the 19th Fighter Squadron, U.S. Air Force will follow.

Highlights of the ceremony will also include music by the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet Band, a Hawaiian blessing, wreath presentations, a rifle salute by the U.S. Marine Corps, a vintage aircraft flyover, and echo taps in recognition of the men and women who survived the attack and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country on Dec. 7, 1941.

(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

15Th wing Attack on hickam Field remembrance ceremony

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 / 11

Special Olympics athletes bowl in a tournament at Hickam Bowling Center during the Special Olympics Hawaii 2019 Holiday Classic Nov. 23. The Holiday Classic is held annually in November at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

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Hawaii Service Members support

Honolulu Special Olympics Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay hosted more than 800 Special Olympics athletes November 23 and 24 for the annual 2019 Hawaii Holiday Classic.

Special Olympics is a global organization in which athletes with intellectual disabilities work with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.

(Layout by MC2 Charles Oki)

Story and photos by MC2 Justin R. Pacheco Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

The event included a two-day basketball tournament, individual skills competition, single and team bowling competitions, and traditional doubles bocce tournaments for the athletes. The Holiday Classic marks the end of the Fall season.

Capt. Jeff Bernard, commander, Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam (JBPHH) delivered welcoming remarks during the opening ceremonies.

“To all the athletes participating this weekend, we are very proud of you and your competitive spirit, and your teamwork. Mahalo, nui loa and welcome aboard!” said Bernard. “On behalf of every member of the military and civilian team here, please accept our warm welcome to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.”

More than 1,000 volunteers – comprised of friends, family, Sailors, Airmen and Marines – were on hand to help ensure the event ran smoothly.

Mike Betz also spoke on behalf of the Special Olympics Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the board, it’s an honor to be here,” said Betz.

“And it’s an honor to be able to wish you all good luck.”

Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,700 athletes and unified partners on every island in Hawaii. With the support of more than 11,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers ten Olympic-type sports and over 50 games and competitions throughout the year.

Special Olympics athletes play in a basketball tournament at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fitness Center during the Special Olympics Hawaii 2019 Holiday Classic Nov. 23. The Holiday Classic is held annually in November at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 / 13

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Airman Spotlight

Hawaii native Airman channels love of surfing into skateboard skills Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Miranda Simpson 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

“I started skateboarding when I was a kid just because I thought it was cool, but then I realized it also helped improve my skills for surfing.”

“I calmly responded by saying, ‘Swim to daddy,’ as I quickly started paddling in the direction of my daughter’s voice,” said Kalauokalani Ray. “I could see my little mermaid doggy paddling about 30 feet from me, and I could tell she saw me because in that moment her face Airman 1st Class Tiani Ray, 437th Supply Chain Operations lit up with the biggest smile. As I scooped Squadron computer operations technician, does a trick on her skateboard at Ramp Riders in St. Louis Missouri Sept. 22. Ray is a Tiani out of the water to place her on my Hawaii native who skateboards to simulate surfing maneuvers. board, I knew at that moment how vital and challenging my role as her daddy would be For Airman 1st Class and Hawaii native Tiani Ray, in helping her find her identity.” surfing is a way for her to connect with nature, and was a way to build self-esteem while growing When she got older, the training got harder. She up. said he would have her run six miles every day, do 100 laps in an Olympic-size pool and then 100 Now she’s thousands of miles away in the middle push-ups before they could even go to the beach. of the United States serving her country and finding that skateboarding has become the next “I was honestly trying to be the best father I best way to reconnect with her love of surfing. could be by using the activities that taught me so many life skills like patience, respect, humanity, “My favorite thing about surfing is that feeling of perseverance, work ethic, consistency and love,” being connected to the ocean and just feeling said Kalauokalani Ray. like I’m with my ancestors,” said the 19-year-old.

“It just helps me feel more in tune with Mother Even though Tiani thought the training was difficult, Nature, like I’m becoming one with the water. It’s she said she still really enjoyed it because it helped indescribable.” to build her confidence, and it always led to getting out on the water.

Her father started training her to surf at the age of four after an incident when she swam out to him in “I was kind of a chubby kid growing up, so the girls the water during high waves. She was screaming would make fun of how I looked,” she said. “Surfing for him, but not out of fear … for delight. was my escape from reality, from all the negativity.”

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Soon the comments didn’t bother her as much. She grew stronger and began surfing at a competitive level.

“Surfing is an aggressive sport, and I was often the only female out there, so it really made me more prideful,” she said.

She became so good at it that she was even offered scholarships for college. However, she wasn’t able to pay the rest of the tuition costs, so she joined the Air Force to advance her educational career.

She has been serving as a 437th Supply Chain Operations Squadron computer operations technician for almost a year, operating a system that helps bases worldwide keep track of inventory, as well as order new products ranging from aircraft parts to office supplies.

With nowhere to surf, she started skateboarding again as a way to simulate the feeling of riding a wave.

“I started skateboarding when I was a kid just because I thought it was cool, but then I realized it also helped improve my skills for surfing.” said Tiani.

Skateboarding reminds her of home and the sense of ‘Aloha’ she misses so much, which she said means love, respect and people showing care for one another.

Ray continues to practice surfing through skateboarding because her hope is to one day return home and surf again.

Sailor Spotlight From Sailor to Ombudsman Family man looks out for you and yours

By Macy Hinds Naval Health Clinic Hawaii Public Affairs

November is Military Family Appreciation Month; a month dedicated to recognizing the commitments, sacrifices, and dedication asked of military family members. Navigating military life can be stressful and overwhelming, however, families are never alone.

Meet Naval Health Clinic Hawaii’s (NHCH) Ombudsman: Mr. Thomas Desamero. As a Navy veteran and military spouse, he is no stranger to the military way of life.

A native of Southern California, Desamero enlisted in the Navy in July 2000. He served as a hospital corpsman for eleven years and is accustomed to the constant change of location, pace, and lifestyle the military provides.

“I was stationed in Naval Hospital Okinawa where I worked at the flightline clinic,” said Desamero.

“After my tour in Okinawa, I picked up an F/A-18 squadron, VFA-146 out of Lemoore, California where I deployed aboard the USS Carl Vinson and the John C. Stennis. After my tour there, I moved to San Diego where I separated from the Navy.”

While Desamero separated from the Navy in 2011, his life in the Navy was far from over. From sea to shore, he was about to embark on a new adventure and shortly after arrival in San Diego, he took on two new roles: student and military spouse.

“I started school at San Diego Community College and it was there that I met my husband,” said Desamero. “When his tour in San Diego was over

(Layout by Elaine Phillips)

Command Ombudsman are a valuable resource available to family members through the challenges and celebrations military life can bring. These valuable communicators should be recognized for the special role and function they take on within a command.

NHCH Ombudsman and triad attend the Ombudsman Appreciation Dinner on Sept. 27 at the Honolulu Country Club.

we took orders to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). This was around the time ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was repealed and the defeat of the Defense of Marriage Act. We got married in Rockville, Maryland shortly after moving there.”

New challenges, opportunities, and relocations presented themselves to the new Desamero family.

“During our time at WRNMMC I was able to complete my associate’s degree and then my bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Montgomery

College and the University of Maryland,” continued Desamero. “Shortly after I graduated, we received orders to NHCH.” Moving again, Desamero found a new way to serve the Navy’s mission. He found his calling as the NHCH Command Ombudsman, dedicated to serving families much like his own. He was drawn to this position specifically reserved for a spouse of an active duty service member assigned to the command. Desamero remembered the impact previous Ombudsman had on him throughout his active duty service.

He found his calling as the NHCH Command Ombudsman, dedicated to serving families much like his own.

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 / 15

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Erin Baxter 15th Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Pacific Air Forces Integrated Resilience Team hosted “Resiliency – Finish 2019 Strong” at the Binnicker Professional Military Education Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 19-20.

Guest speaker Dr. Jill Antonishak, a development psychologist with Techwerks, led the discussion for the seminars, kick-starting the event with a Resilient Thinking seminar.

This seminar specifically focused on how to strengthen mental toughness. The discussion covered different types of thinkers, and how resiliency affects different types of people.

“Resilience is having a sense of well-being and a personal mission or purpose,” said Antonishak.

“My goal is to add more tools to my toolbox,” said Senior Master Sgt. Antwon Parker, U.S. Pacific Air Forces headquarters requirement manager. “I hope to gain more tools to cope with life stressors in multiple environments and I think resilient thinking is the foundation to that.”

Antonishak has worked in military mental health for many years and is aware of the patterns that exist among military members and their resilience.

“There is a disconnect between the Air Force big mission and personal mission,” Antonishak said. “The goal is to connect your personal mission with what you do every day at your job.”

Resiliency keeps Air Force personnel mission-ready and capable. Antonishak and the Integrated Resilience Team hope to make strides toward developing more mentally tough Airmen.

16 / December 2, 2019 / Ho’okele

(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

FINISH 2019 STRONG

Dr. Jill Antonishak guides a seminar on resilient thinking on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 19. She taught three seminars relating to resilience, preventing burnout, and strengthening relationships.

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 / 17

As our service members and military families work tirelessly and make daily sacrifices, even the smallest reminder of home can have a huge impact. Spending time away from family and friends during the holidays is tough, especially when service members are in difficult training rotations or in remote places of the world.

That’s why the USO goes into overdrive during the holidays to help bring a piece of home to service members and their families, no matter where they are.

USO Holiday Events USO JBPHH Cozy for a Cause

Dec. 1 to 23 - Cozy for a Cause supports single service members by providing them with a stocking filled with gifts on Christmas. Interested in supporting single service members during the holidays? Contact USO JBPHH staff at usojbphh.web@uso.org.

USO JBPHH Winter Wonderland Movie on the Lawn

Dec. 20 - Bring the family for an evening of gingerbread house building with a movie featuring The Santa Clause (1994) for its 25th anniversary at 335 Mamiya Ave. on the Hickam side of JBPHH. Gingerbread house activity begins at 5 p.m. and showtime begins at 6:30 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

18 // December December 2, 2, 2019 2019,/ 2019 / Ho’okele Ho’okele

Military Appreciation Day at Wet ’n’ Wild

Dec. 7 - All military and their family members are invited for a day of fun in the sun at the Wet ‘n’ Wild waterpark from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The park will be closed to the general public all day.

USO & Bellator present ‘Salute the Troops’

Dec. 20 - Free vouchers will be available for all military ID card holders and up to four guests for this event which will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Event voucher availability will be announced via the USO Hawaii Facebook page and will be on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

Vouchers are redeemable at the event and hold no cash value.

Deployed Spouse Holiday Brunch at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Dec. 18 - Spouses and children of deployed service members are invited to join us at the VMU-3 Hangar 103 at MCBH. USO Hawaii wants to celebrate the holidays with you and help to send some “aloha” to your deployed service member! RSVP at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/deployed-spouse-holiday-brunchtickets-77576959775. Space is limited.

For a complete list of events, visit https://hawaii.uso.org/stories/83.

Note: Events are subject to change, please visit the USO Hawaii Facebook page for current updates.

(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY

kaiāulu (community) December Upcoming Events

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07 Snow Days Dec. 7 - Experience a winter wonderland playing in real snow at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange, near the flower shop entrance from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a free event open for authorized patrons. Hot cocoa and shave ice will be available for purchase.

Holiday Open House Dec. 7 - The Hickam Arts & Crafts Center will have a Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be free make-n-takes, hot dogs and sodas. For more information, call 808-448-9907.

Holiday 5K Run

08 Breakfast and Bowl with Santa Dec. 8 - Make your child’s day magical by signing them up to bowl and have breakfast with Santa from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Pier Side Bowling Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Cost is $8 per child, ages 3-11 years. Make your reservations between Dec. 2 to 6. For more information, call 473-2574.

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Honolulu City Lights Opening Night Shuttle Dec. 7 - Witness the lighting of Oahu’s tallest Christmas tree and watch a light parade, kiddie carnival rides, live performances and food booths during the opening night of the Honolulu City Lights. A shuttle will run from Bloch Arena to Honolulu Hale from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $20 per person. Make your reservations at any ITT location.

For more information, call 808-473-0792 or 808-422-2757.

JBPHH Tower Lighting Celebration Dec. 13 - JBPHH MWR is hosting their annual Tower Lighting Celebration on the great lawn of the Freedom Tower from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. This year is their golden anniversary, celebrating 50 years. Turn to the back cover of this magazine to view the flyer. For more information, visit www.greatlifehawaii.com.

Dec. 14 - Burn off some holiday get-together calories at the Hickam Memorial Fitness Center during the 5K Run at 7 a.m. This is a free event open to eligible patrons with base access. For more information, call 808-448-2214.

Lunch & Bowl with Santa

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Dec. 15 - Gets rolling from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hickam Bowling Center and get a free picture of Santa before enjoying lunch while you bowl. Cost is $8 and is open to kids 3 to 11 years. Reservations are required and will be accepted from Dec. 9 to 13. For more information, call 808-473-2651.

NOW

MWR opens Italian restaurant Now - The newest restaurant from MWR brings Italian cuisine to the Navy-Marine Golf Course with Mangiamo.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, full bar and more surprises. For more information, call 808-471-0142.

Sharkey Theater

Located at Moore Street Bldg. 628 on the Pearl Harbor side of JBPHH. Open to active-duty military and their family members, retirees, DoD civilians and their sponsored guests. *Movie listings are subject to change. Visit www.greatlifehawaii.com for the complete movie listing.

Sharkey Theater: 808-473-0726 Hickam Memorial Theater: 808-448-2297

Hickam Memorial Theater

Located at 7393 Ohana Nui Circle on the Hickam side of JBPHH.

Thursday, Dec.5

Sunday, Dec 8

• 7 p.m. Harriet (PG-13)

Thursday, Dec.5

Sunday, Dec 8

• 1:30 p.m.Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (PG)

• 6:30 p.m. Countdown (PG-13)

• 3 p.m. Polar Express (G)

Friday, Dec. 6

• 4:10 p.m. Midway (PG-13)

Friday, Dec. 6

• 5:30 p.m. Last Christmas (PG-13)

• 7 p.m. Midway (PG-13)

• 7:20 p.m. Zombieland 2: Double Tap (R)

Saturday, Dec. 7

Thursday, Dec 12

• 2:30 p.m. Midway (PG-13) • 5:40 p.m. Last Christmas (PG-13) • 8 p.m. Countdown (PG-13)

• 7 p.m. Last Christmas (PG-13)

Friday, Dec 13

(Layout by Elaine Phillips)

s e m i t w o h S e i v o M

• 7 p.m. Doctor Sleep (R) Saturday, Dec. 7 • 3 p.m. Abominable (PG) • 6 p.m. Doctor Sleep (R)

• 7 p.m. Midway (PG-13)

Ho’okele / December 2, 2019 / 19

PHOTO 1

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From left to right: Cmdr. Kevin Schaeffer, Cmdr. Allen Maxwell, Jr., and Command Master Chief Quentin Newsom, the executive officer, commanding officer, and command master chief of Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, take a command triad photo on the focsle of Battleship Missouri Memorial. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles Oki)

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20 / December 2, 2019 / Ho’okele

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Lee uses the “big eyes” binoculars as amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) arrives in Pearl Harbor Nov. 13. Sailors and Marines of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are embarked on USS John P. Murtha on a regularly-scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kyle Carlstrom)

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Marines and Sailors man the rails of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) as the ship arrives in Hawaii Nov. 13. Sailors and Marines of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are embarked on Harpers Ferry for a regularly scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Danielle A. Baker)

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HIGHLIGHTS 4

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Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) load a set of remains of unidentified U.S. service members during an honorable carry at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 25.

A team of DPAA personnel disinterred 40 sets of remains from graves at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines as part of DPAA’s effort to provide the fullest possible accounting of our missing personnel to their families and the nation.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Coulter)

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The Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) transits through the East China Sea Nov. 15. Wayne E. Meyer is underway conducting operations in the Indo-Pacific region while assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON 15), the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Rawad Madanat)

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15th Wing Airmen form a line to fill up their rucksacks with deployment readiness items during the Tropic Tempest exercise on Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam Nov. 20. The exercise is a multiple day event on base, aimed at readying Airmen for deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin Baxter)

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(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

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Ho’okele / December 2, 2019, 2019 // 21 Ho’okele / December 2, 2019

Friday, Dec 13 • 4:30-7:30pm Freedom Tower • FREE FESTIVITIES INCLUDE: 4:30-7pm • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT by USAF Band of the Pacific-Hawaii • Cardboard “Gingerbread Village”, Jolly Giant Lawn Games • Build & create with the Kid’s Clinic sponsored by Home Depot (while supplies last) • Glow jewelry provided by JBPHH Chapels (while supplies last) • Holiday drinks sponsored by Meadow Gold Dairies and snacks provided by GEICO 7pm - Ceremony and

*DELICIOUS FOOD, DRINKS AND SNACKS sold by on-base private organizations. *EVENT SHUTTLE SERVICE provided roundtrip from BX Garden Shop to the event, starting at 4:15pm until event ends.

FREE

Photo with Santa!

www.greatlifehawaii.com

No official endorsement intended.