The Beacon February 2023

BEACON THE

U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece February 2023

THE BEACON

Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready

The Beacon

Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready

Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Ryan T. Tewell

COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT Odin J. Klug

Executive Officer

EXECUTIVE OFFICER CDR James Kotora

Cmdr. Werner J. Rauchenstein

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Igor Vargas

Command Master Chief

CMDCM Neal T. Olds

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Carolyn Jackson

DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Nicholas S. Tenorio

Beacon Staff/Public Affairs Office

Jacky Fisher

Joel Diller

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Kostas Fantaousakis

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

Public Affairs Officer, 266-1244

HOW TO CONTACT US

Assistant Public Affairs Officer, 266-1392

EMAIL SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil

Kostas Fantaousakis

ONLINE www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay

PHONE +30 28210-21348

Contact Email (All PAO personnel):

Community Relations, 266-1348

WRITE PSC814 BOX 1, FPO, AE, 09266 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/NSASoudaBay

SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil

The Beacon is the professional online newsletter of NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs. Information contained in The Beacon does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office of NSA Souda Bay.

The Beacon is the professional online newsletter of NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs. Information contained in The Beacon does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office of NSA Souda Bay.

Articles for publication in The Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil

Articles for publication in The Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil

Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior leadership. Security and policy review must be completed before submissions can be considered for publication.

Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior leadership. Security and policy review must be completed before submissions can be considered for publication.

THE BEACON NEWSLETTER

Front Cover: BM2 Sean Sweetay and BM3 Sebastian Sanchez pilot an old barrier boat to the NATO Marathi Pier Complex for disposition, Jan. 19. Photo by Nicholas S. Tenorio

The

Shot: Crane operators lower a new 30-foot Modutech barrier boat into Souda Bay at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex, Jan. 19. Photo by Nicholas S. Tenorio

Triad Corner

Team Souda,

It is such a pleasure to be at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay and to serve as your Executive Officer. In fact, I fought hard to get selected for this assignment!

I’ve been onboard for almost two months and I am already very impressed with how you work together to support U.S., Allies and Coalition Partners. The fact that such tremendous support comes from such a small footprint is astonishing, but it is your hard work and dedication that makes it happen – and it is your continuous effort that makes us the premier location of choice in this area of operations.

My role as the XO is to support our Commanding Officer, CAPT Klug, and to support Team Souda as we work to implement his priorities. Therefore, a large part of my job is ensuring you have what you need to accomplish your piece of our mission.

As you know, Team Souda directly supports operations for European Command, Africa Command, Central Command, Special Operations Command, Strategic Command, and Transportation Command. I’m here to help fix any problem standing in our way of providing this crucial support. To that end, I expect you to utilize your chain of command, but I also

expect you to reach out if you are not getting the results you need so that I can help find a solution.

Let me assure you that I live by the Golden Rule of treating others the way I would like to be treated, which is with dignity and respect. We are all professional and we all have a job to do – and from what I’ve seen to date, you all do yours exceptionally well. That is one of the reasons why Team Souda has such a sterling reputation and why I was so excited to receive my orders.

Thank you for welcoming my family and me with open arms. We are excited to join Team Souda and to be a part of this community. My wife, Kathryn, and I could not ask for a

better place to live and raise our family. We are looking forward to learning about Greek customs and culture, exploring the beautiful island of Crete and the country of Greece, and to having some European adventures!

~ V/R XO

Η Γωνιά της Διοίκησης

Ομάδα Σούδας, Είναι μεγάλη χαρά για μένα το να βρίσκομαι στην Αμερικανική Ευκολία, Αεροπορική Βάση Σούδας και να υπηρετώ ως Υποδιοικητής σας.

Μάλιστα, πάλεψα σκληρά για να επιλεγώ για την υπηρεσία αυτή!

Υπηρετώ στην Ευκολία εδώ και σχεδόν δύο μήνες και είμαι ήδη πολύ εντυπωσιασμένος με το πώς δουλεύετε

σαν ομάδα για να υποστηρίξετε τις ΗΠΑ, τους Συμμάχους και τους Εταίρους μας. Το γεγονός ότι μια

τέτοια τεράστια υπηρεσία υποστήριξης

παρέχεται από μια τόσο μικρή σε έκταση μονάδα είναι εκπληκτικό.

Αυτό είναι δυνατό λόγω της σκληρής

δουλειάς και της αφοσίωσής σας και

η συνεχής προσπάθειά σας μας κάνει

την κορυφαία τοποθεσία επιλογής σε

αυτόν τον τομέα των επιχειρήσεων.

Ο ρόλος μου ως Υποδιοικητής είναι να υποστηρίζω τον Διοικητή Klug και την ομάδα Σούδας καθώς εργαζόμαστε για την υλοποίηση των προτεραιοτήτων

που έχει θέσει. Επομένως, ένα μεγάλο μέρος της δουλειάς μου είναι να

διασφαλίσω ότι έχετε ό,τι χρειάζεστε

για να ολοκληρώσετε το κομμάτι της

αποστολής που σας αναλογεί.

Όπως γνωρίζετε, η Ομάδα Σούδας

υποστηρίζει άμεσα επιχειρήσεις για

την Ευρωπαϊκή Διοίκηση (European Command), τη Διοίκηση Αφρικής (Africa Command), την Κεντρική

Διοίκηση (Central Command), τη

Διοίκηση Ειδικών Επιχειρήσεων (Special Operations Command),

τη Στρατηγική Διοίκηση (Strategic Command) και τη Διοίκηση Μεταφορών (Transportation Command). Είμαι

εδώ για να βοηθήσω να διορθώσουμε

οποιοδήποτε πρόβλημα που εμποδίζει

την παροχή αυτής της κρίσιμης

υποστήριξης. Για αυτόν τον σκοπό, περιμένω από εσάς να απευθυνθείτε

στην ιεραρχία σας, αλλά εάν δεν λαμβάνετε τα αποτελέσματα που χρειάζεστε περιμένω επίσης να

απευθυνθείτε σε μένα, ώστε να μπορέσω να βοηθήσω στην εξεύρεση λύσης.

Επιτρέψτε μου να σας διαβεβαιώσω

ότι ζω σύμφωνα με τον «Χρυσό

Κανόνα» του να συμπεριφέρομαι

στους άλλους όπως θα ήθελα να

μου συμπεριφέρονται, δηλαδή με

αξιοπρέπεια και σεβασμό. Είμαστε

όλοι επαγγελματίες και όλοι έχουμε μια

δουλειά να κάνουμε και από ό,τι έχω δει μέχρι σήμερα, όλοι κάνετε τη δική σας εξαιρετικά καλά. Αυτός είναι ένας από τους λόγους για τους

έλαβα την απόφαση για την μετάθεση μου εδώ.

Σας ευχαριστώ που υποδεχτήκατε την

οικογένειά μου και εμένα με ανοιχτές

αγκάλες. Είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι

που γίναμε μέλος της Ομάδας

Σούδα και είμαστε μέρος αυτής της

κοινότητας. Η γυναίκα μου, η Κάθριν, και εγώ δεν μπορούσαμε να ζητήσουμε

καλύτερο μέρος για να ζήσουμε και

να μεγαλώσουμε την οικογένειά μας. Ανυπομονούμε να μάθουμε για τα

Ελληνικά έθιμα και τον πολιτισμό, να εξερευνήσουμε το όμορφο νησί

της Κρήτης και τη χώρα της Ελλάδας

και να ζήσουμε μερικές Ευρωπαϊκές

περιπέτειες!

Με εκτίμηση,

~ O ΥΠΟΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΗΣ ΣΑΣ

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class

Destini Smith

Navy Munitions Command Atlantic Detachment Souda Bay

By MC2 Delaney Jensen

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Destini Smith, a native of Sandy Valley, Nev., joined the Navy in May 2013 and arrived at NSA Souda Bay in June 2021. She currently works in the administration and production department for the Navy Munitions Command Atlantic Detachment Souda Bay. She enjoys working with her team to ensure that NSA Souda Bay can issue, receive and store any and all ammunition that comes through the base.

Why did you join the Navy?

I joined the Navy because I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere. I knew I wanted to travel, but more importantly I wanted to do something to make my family proud.

What do you do at NSA Souda Bay?

I do the Ordnance Information System or OIS. I keep track of all the ammunition that comes in and the quantity of the ammunition as well. I do the issuing and receiving paperwork side of things, but before that, I did the hands-on side of things like unloading and unloading ammunition. I really enjoyed being out in the field, but they needed more assistance in administration and chose me.

What role does your department play for NSA Souda Bay?

We issue ammunition to security. We also issue or receive any ammunition and munition that ships and teams coming through here need.

In your opinion, why do you think your work is so important to the mission?

You have to have your bullets. Security needs ammunition to stand their watch. If we weren’t here then security would be unable to fulfill their mission requirement and get all their training completed. We hold all the ammunition for security, and though it’s a large job, it’s not all we do. We help out the Fleet too. We send ammunition out to Bahrain, Rota and Sigonella as well. We are all a team and we all work together to complete the mission.

What is your favorite thing about the work you do at NSA Souda Bay?

I like being at work in general. My favorite thing is making sure that our team is ready and prepared to go out and do the work that they need to do.

What has been a career highlight here?

Everywhere you go you have to get requalified in everything, but I was able to get my qualification with Tomahawk missiles, which is cool because it is more of a Gunner Mate’s qualification. It’s different, so I was pretty excited about that. I do a lot of out-of-rate things with that, so it’s pretty unique. In the Aviation Ordnanceman world we have three main jobs, each more difficult than the last. We start out as a team member, then team lead and lastly team quality assurance safety observer. I have gone through all of them here. I am proud to say I advanced a lot in that way.

What are your long-term career goals?

I – of course – want to make rank. Then I want to go officer. I want to get started on school to make that goal happen.

When not at work, how do you spend your free time?

I have two dogs here. I spend a lot of time with them and I definitely get out and enjoy the food! I also really enjoy the gym. I am trying to get back into it and build my strength.

What is something you enjoy about living in Greece?

Something kind of fun is everyone thinks I’m Greek. So, I will go somewhere and they start taking to me really fast and I am not quite sure what they are saying. I just laugh it off and try my best. It’s fun for me.

Souda Spotlight:

Host Nation Attorney Alexandra Karavasili

RLSO EURAFCENT Branch Office Souda Bay

By Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs

Alexandra Karavasili, a native of Athens, has a law degree from the Law School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is an attorney based in Athens and a member of the Athens Bar Association. She was first hired by the U.S. Air Force in 1992, then her position was taken over by the U.S. Navy in 1994. Karavasili provides legal counsel and services to NSA Souda Bay.

What is a typical day at work for you?

I work for Region Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, Central Branch Office Souda Bay as principle advisor to NSA Souda Bay Command Judge Advocate on Greek, European, and international Law. I also perform other duties like responding as an attorney-at-law to incidents in which the Greek authorities or citizens become involved with the U.S. Forces in Greece. Other daily tasks include preparing legal documents and related correspondence. When instructed by the JAG, I serve as an advisor to the Office of Defense Cooperation in Athens. ODC Greece manages and executes United States Department of Defense and Department of State security cooperation programs. I often deal with decisions having state-tostate impact.

What role does your office play for NSA Souda Bay?

We are a tenant command – RLSO EURAFCENT. Our Legal Office is very important – not only for NSA Souda Bay — but also for the Office of Defense Cooperation, the U.S. Embassy in Athens, and the entire U.S. mission throughout Greece. Our greatest goal is providing effective and efficient legal services to the U.S. Forces in Greece — this is our daily effort and ongoing project.

What is your favorite part of your job working for NSA Souda Bay?

My favorite part of this job is interacting

with all the interesting people from NSA Souda Bay. It is so wonderful to work with such a great legal team at the installation. This really makes my days at work a lot better. It makes even the most difficult cases and situations feel easier. The good cooperation, the understanding, the help and the assistance that we provide to each other and the friendly work environment is my favorite part of this job.

When not at work, what do you enjoy doing?

Two of my favorite hobbies are ballet and walking. I really enjoy taking ballet lessons in my free time. I also like walking long distances. Sometimes I go on a walk that may last for hours! Also in my free time, I like spending time with my family, friends, and beloved father. Additionally, I enjoy going to the movies and theaters.

What is something else you want Team Souda to know about you or the work you do for NSA Souda Bay?

Although my duty location is at ODC in Athens, I am completely connected to NSA Souda Bay on an emotional level. I feel that NSA Souda Bay is my second family — my home away from home. I really appreciate and respect the great opportunity given to me to work for the U.S. Forces in Greece. The U.S. military leadership always cares about the law and its best implementation. Please know our office is always here to support both civilian employees and military members!

Souda Spotlight: Shannah Roland-Joseph Logistics Management Specialist

By Nicholas S. Tenorio, Public Affairs

Shannah Roland-Joseph, a native of Barbados, West Indies, who migrated to Brooklyn, N.Y., is a retired U.S. Navy Logistics Specialist. Prior to onboarding to NSA Souda Bay in Nov. 2022, Joseph worked as a contracting specialist for Naval Sea Systems Command, Southeast Regional Maintenance Center in Mayport, Fla., Joseph is a certified Master Logistics Representative and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Barry University and she holds professional credentials in human resources, project management and executive management.

What do you do at NSA Souda Bay?

The team assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command at Souda Bay works to provide logistics support for all transiting units and ships in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Pretty much, we coordinate all aspects of logistics. From food, mail and air cargo, to supporting mission readiness for deployed units and ships.

Why is your work important to the mission of NSA Souda Bay?

Along with the Local Nationals supporting our team, we provides flexible logistics, business and other support services to ensure theater readiness for U.S. Naval, Joint and Allied forces. Our work is very important to the mission of NSA Souda Bay because we give the forward-deployed logistics teams operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet a level of comfort knowing we’re here to support them. We’re here—on the ground—to take care of emergent requirements so they can concentrate on the mission and stay safe while at sea.

Why did you decide to take an overseas position at NSA Souda Bay?

After 20 years of active duty service, retiring from the Navy and working stateside as a civilian, I felt it was time for a new challenge and to do something that I wanted for myself. I got my daughter through high school and a couple years of college and I was ready for a change of environment. It was a good opportunity to do something for myself and experience working overseas. When thinking about my decision to move here, I think about the song “Free Mind” by Tems: “This is the peace that you cannot buy.” Living in such a quiet and refreshing place, I’m beginning to feel in touch with an inner peace. I feel that I’ve already been able to think more clearly in my personal and professional life.

What has been a career highlight here?

Experiencing the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center culture overseas and gaining a new work experience. I’m learning how logistics work overseas in comparison with experiences I am familiar with from stateside.

What is something that you have enjoyed about living in Greece?

Exploring Chania and Greek culture, especially the food. I arrived at the very beginning of the winter season, so I’m excited to explore Crete and the other islands when the weather gets nice. I’m looking forward to visiting some of the archaeological sites. Also, you can’t beat the views. Every morning I’m able to open up my blinds and see the mountains and the sea!

What are your hobbies and interests?

My hobbies are working out and relaxing. I also really enjoy keeping up with track and field and the season is just now getting started. When I was in school, I competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter events. At my school in Barbados, I actually held the Under-13 record for the 100 until just a couple years ago. When someone finally broke it, I got a bunch of messages on social media letting me know.

What is something you have found interesting about Greece since living here?

Everyone has been so friendly and accommodating. The onboarding process can be really stressful, but everyone, from my U.S. and local national colleagues to my landlord and my neighbors, has been so helpful.

What would you like Team Souda to know about your work?

Nothing happens without logistics. We are a small team but we are a cohesive unit.

AROUND NSA SOUDA BAY

Awards Reenlistments Events Operations

AWARDS AT QUARTERS FOR JANUARY

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal:

Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Salcido

Chief Master-at-Arms Cole Schulz

Joint Service Achievement Medal:

Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Derek Alfaro

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caroline Lui

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal:

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Justin Chinana

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Marco Romano

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Joseph Sherwood

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Cheryl Sonderman

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Taylor Timmerman

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Brittany Vasquez

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Dominic Vilmorne

Flag Letter of Commendation:

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cameron Butler

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jayla Coleman

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Terryl Freeman

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Drew Holtmeyer

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Phantacy Leach

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Johnathan Lewis

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Matthew McGhin

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Robert Millard

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Haley Mynatt

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Elijah Stowers

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Alexus Tatenbach

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Blue Richison

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kelvin Ruiz

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Dylan Rushnell

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class William Sessions IV

Master-at-Arms Seaman Yoel Lugones

Frocking Letter:

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Joseph Sherwood

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Katelyn Burris

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Aubree Broadway

Personnel assigned to NSA Souda Bay are recognized for their outstanding achievements during an awards ceremony on Jan. 12. Photo by MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

Region Training Assist Team Visits NSA Souda Bay

The Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central Region Training Assist Visit team saw NSA Souda Bay’s Navy Security Forces in action Jan. 25 as they responded to various simulated scenarios during an Antiterrorism Training Team exercise as part of a four-day command inspection.

“It was a whole Team Souda effort,” said Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Frank Newsom, Navy Security Forces departmental leading chief petty officer. “We have spent over six months training the team, completing paperwork and checking that our qualifications are up to date. That preparation certainly paid off, and I am very impressed with the command’s drive to get the best score they could get.”

RTAV provides leadership a

comprehensive review of installation training programs prior to the scheduled Command Assessment for Readiness and Training; both RTAV and CART are part of the continuous command training inspection cycle.

Story and photos by MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

MA1 Victor Garcia and MAC Michael Telo act as training team leads for an ATTT Exercise during a RTAV onboard NSA Souda Bay on Jan. 25.

NSA Souda Bay Sailors hold an ATTT Exercise that included a simulated gate-runner scenario and subsequent arrest during a RTAV onboard NSA Souda Bay on Jan. 25.

Minoan Taverna Recognition

Photos by MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

Minoan Taverna Cook Manolis Kazakos is presented with a retirement gift from NSA Souda Bay Command Master Chief Francisco Vargas, NSA Souda Bay Commanding Officer Capt. Odin J. Klug, IAP Project Manager Pierre Anastasakis and NSA Souda Bay Food Service Officer Chief Warrant Officer Kelly Williams on Jan. 27.

Administrative Assistant Manager Aikaterini Tzouanaki receives a Minoan Taverna Employee of the Quarter Award from NSA Souda Bay Commanding Officer Capt. Odin J. Klug and IAP Project Manager Pierre Anastasakis in the Minoan Taverna on Jan. 27.

Baker Viktoria Lygeraki receives a Minoan Taverna Employee of the Quarter Award from NSA Souda Bay Commanding Officer Capt. Odin J. Klug and IAP Project Manager Pierre Anastasakis in the Minoan Taverna on Jan. 27.

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Story and photos by MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

Members of Team Souda’s Public Works Department received on-thespot awards on Jan. 19 for lending a hand to the USS Florida (SSGN 728) and ensuring Fleet readiness by repairing an underway-limiting part.

Capt. John Roussakies, commanding officer, USS Florida, thanked the team members for their invaluable assistance in Nov. 2022.

“I think it was a great example of teamwork,” said Capt. Rousakkies. “With their assistance we were able to get back underway and stay mission capable.”

Builder 3rd Class Mark Allen, Public Works Department, said, “This is what we do as Seabees. When our shipmates came in on the USS Florida with an issue, we proactively fixed the problem to get them back to the mission. I am just happy to be here and happy to be a part of the Seabee team.”

BU3 Mark Allen, Public Works Department, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. John Roussakies, commanding officer, USS Florida.

HVAC Mechanic Ionnis Valirakis, Public Works Department, receives a Letter of Commendation from Capt. John Roussakies, commanding officer, USS Florida.

BU3 Samuel Piazza, Public Works Department, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. John Roussakies, commanding officer, USS Florida.

I reenlisted so I can continue to support my family and also to take full advantage of the opportunities the Navy has granted me.

“ ”

ABH2 Kelvin Koech, Jan. 18, 2023. Reenlisting Officer CWO3 Jeremy Mott

I reenlisted for the security of my family and for my future family if I have kids. It’s a sacrifice, but they are worth it.

MA3 William Sessions, Jan. 20, 2023. Reenlisting Officer Ensign Andrae White

Community Outreach: Kladisos Beach Clean-up

Story and photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs

Sailors from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E Williams (DDG 95) participated in a community outreach event in Chania, Crete on Jan. 16

The volunteers collected trash from Kladisos Beach and a nearby park to help preserve the scenic environment.

Community Outreach: Bowling with the Local Community

Volunteers from NSA Souda Bay spent time bowling with 12 young men from the Daily Care Center for Children and Young Adults of Chania hosted at the Megaplace Bowling Alley on Jan. 20. Team Souda personnel from the Public Works Department, Security Department, Naval Supply Systems Command, Administration Department and the Base Clinic enjoyed the community relations event and were able to bond with members from the Center.

"Connecting with the local community is a fun time, especially when you get to do enjoyable activities like bowling,” said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Isaiah Smith. “If you get the chance to go out on a Community Relations event here in Souda Bay, you should definitely take up the opportunity. I am looking forward to more future events!"

If you are interested in future volunteer opportunities, please contact Chaplain Hickman at DSN 266-1206.

Story CE2 Jeromy Harris. Photos by LCDR Joshua Hickman, Command Chaplain

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at NSA Souda Bay

Team Souda commemorated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at an event hosted by the Multicultural Committee and Second Class Petty Officer Association and held at The Anchor on Jan. 18.

The ceremony included speakers from NSA Souda Bay who highlighted the life and achievements of King as an equal rights activist during the civil rights movement.

Among the speakers was Utilitiesman 1st Class Jamiah Shaw who quoted King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” during her presentation. Shaw told the attendees King’s influence encouraged the nation to stand up against racial inequality and allow diversity to reign in America and in the ranks of the Armed Forces.

“As I look over the sea of faces of my fellow brothers and sisters, we no longer have to dream,” said Shaw. “That dream has become a reality.”

Story and photos by MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

Utilitiesman 1st Class Jamiah Shaw quotes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech.

Capt. Odin J. Klug talks about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and how we continue to use his teachings today.

In a Jan. 13 message to the Sailors and families of the United States Navy, the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro told the fleet the Department of the Navy continues to bolster a cultural identity that values its Sailors based on their capabilities and aptitude. He assured those reading that the Navy is devoted to creating and maintaining a culturally diverse and all-around inclusive workplace environment with people of all backgrounds, races and beliefs to create a united front.

In his tireless work for equality, justice, and peace for all, Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” NSA Souda Bay’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Odin J. Klug, reminded Team Souda that this question is one we should ask ourselves as we continue to work together to strengthen our community and care for one another.

“In the United States Armed Forces it’s about how hard you work and how much progress you make,” said Capt. Klug. “That’s the vision. That’s the legacy we are a part of.”

NSA Souda Bay Sailors cut a cake in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Len Sinfield: The Inventor in Our Midst

Story and photo by Nicholas S. Tenorio, Public Affairs

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 1

Perhaps you’ve been out for a stroll across one of the many docks and shipyards that make up the three U.S. Navy bases on the San Diego Bay in San Diego, Calif. Spotting a storm cloud on the horizon, maybe you’ve even thought to yourself, ‘I wonder what could be done to prevent the contamination of marine habitats when surges of storm water flood across industrial facilities that contain potential contaminants like copper and zinc?’

Okay…maybe not, but there is someone who has: Leonard “Len” Sinfield.

Not only has this question kept him up at night, Len has invented a filtering device that he hopes will reduce the amount of potential contaminants that run off from industrial sites.

Len, an environmental physical scientist by trade, works as the environmental compliance program manager at NSA Souda Bay. Prior to joining NSA Souda Bay in June 2021, Len worked as the Environmental Water Program Manager at Navy Region Southwest in San Diego.

“Storm water pollution was a huge concern at the Navy bases in San Diego under the strict regulation of state environmental protection laws,” explained Len. “When we have a storm event— during that first flush of storm water that comes through—we have to sample the drain water coming out of the pipe that runs into the Bay and test it for toxicity.”

Copper, Zinc and other hard metals—common elements found in a variety products, such as brake pads, paints and petroleum-based fluids— are potentially toxic to marine life. Around industrial areas they collect on parking lots and access roads. Whenever there is a storm event, these elements are washed into storm drains, which drain directly into the nearest watershed. In high enough concentration, these elements are harmful to marine habitats.

“We don’t want to kill the little fishies,” said Len. When Len had an idea about how to reduce the potential contaminants in industrial runoff and achieve compliance with local laws, the Navy was interested.

“For years we have been trying to solve this storm water issue,” said Len. “I put this storm water filter concept forward through the Navy Environ-

mental Sustainability Development to Integration program before I left San Diego in 2018.”

NESDI is a Navy program that seeks to develop solutions to environmental problems to minimize environmental risks that could potentially impact Fleet readiness.

Len explained that his idea is actually quite simple: Instead of thinking of a single filtration point that the storm water must pass through — like water passing through a coffee filter — think of a filter as something that water must pass alongside as it makes its entire journey through a long drain pipe and out into the watershed (see fig. 1). Len’s invention is best pictured as intermittent filter stages that are placed inside the storm water drain pipe throughout its entire length (see fig. 2). Sort of like many small pipes placed within the large storm water pipe (see fig. 3). Although the contact time between the storm water and each individual filter stage is relatively small, after passing through many of these filter stages on its long journey to the watershed, the contact time with all the combined filter stages is adequate to remove harmful contaminants.

“After working in storm water compliance for about 15 years and seeing the same issues over and over again, the idea was the result of a long term mental siege,” said Len. “No instant flash of genius here. It was like Edison testing a thousand different filaments before finding the right one for the light bulb.”

With the support of the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, Len’s innovative idea was awarded a patent through the U.S. Navy patent office in Oct. 2022.

“The U.S. Navy will receive the royalties attached with the patent until they have recuperated their costs,” said Len. “I doubt I’ll ever see anything from it, but even if it’s just a dollar, it would be a cool thing to have framed on my wall!”

The Barrier Boats of NSA Souda Bay

Story and photos by Nicholas S. Tenorio, Public Affairs

Work boat? Barrier boat? Push tug? Mini tractor tug? Marine bulldozer?

Call it what you want, but the Sailors in Port Operations at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay call the two new, 30foot Modutech work boats welcome additions to the team.

“These work boats are very important to our work in Port Operations,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Andre Edwards.

“They are needed for our day-to-day mission.”

The new work boats are versatile pieces of marine equipment that can push, tow or otherwise provide assistance to ships in port.

“For example, if a destroyer pulls into port, the work boats will go out and open up the security barriers to allow the ships to access the pier and moor up,” said Edwards. “The work boat will close the barrier behind the ship and then place an oil boom around the ship. The oil boom is there to prevent oil from getting out into the bay in case of a spill.”

In order to pilot the new 30-foot vessels, Sailors must first be Coxswain qualified, which requires the completion of a personnel qualification standard for Coxswains. A specialized PQS for the work boat sailors must then be completed.

“It’s about learning how to manipulate these boats,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Sebastian Sanchez. “It makes everything more efficient and makes the mission a lot easier when all of our Sailors are qualified to operate the equipment.”

The Port Operations team at NSA Souda Bay works at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex, which sits on Souda Bay near the city of Chania. Port Operations supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet through port services and oil spill prevention and response for visiting assets. The NATO Marathi Pier Complex is the only deep-water pier in the Mediterranean Sea with berthing capability for aircraft carriers.

“The goal is to get these ships and submarines in and out in a timely manner,” said Sanchez. “We need to be able to do our part so that they can continue to support the Fleet.”

Left: Sailors assigned to NSA Souda Bay’s Port Operations Team use a new 30-foot Modutech barrier boat to tow an old barrier boat to the pier for disposition near the NATO Marathi Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece.

Above: The Port Operations Team of NSA Souda Bay supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet through port services and oil spill prevention and response for visiting assets.

Story by Kostas Fantaousakis,

Clean Monday, or “Kathari Deytera” in Greek, is the first day of the Eastern Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic Great Lent. This movable feast, also known as Pure Monday, Ash Monday, Monday of Lent or Green Monday, occurs at the beginning of the seventh week before Orthodox Easter Sunday.

The common term for this day, Clean Monday, refers to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. Comparable to Ash Wednesday when Western Churches begin Lent, it is sometimes called Ash Monday.

Liturgically, Clean Monday – and thus Lent itself – begins on the preceding Sunday night at a special service called Forgiveness Vespers, which culminates with the Ceremony of Mutual Forgiveness, at which all present will bow down before one another and ask for forgiveness. In this way, the faithful begin Lent with a clean conscience, with forgiveness, and with renewed Christian love. The entire first week of Lent is often referred to as Clean Week, and it is customary to go to confession during this week and to clean the house thoroughly.

Although Clean Monday rings in the start of what is basically a mourning period in the religious calendar, peaking on Good Friday with the crucifixion and culminating with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the actual day is always celebrated in a much more positive light, as the celebrants are usually to be found amidst family members.

This is a food-centric event with special menu items that follow the fasting rules. In Greece, although officially classified as a religious holiday, Clean Monday is regarded as a special day of celebration by all Greeks regardless of their religious affiliations. Nowadays, most people do not follow the fasting rules to the letter as set down by the Greek Orthodox Church, but a number of Greeks will adhere to them on this day. This has more to do with the cathartic need to rid the body of toxins gathered from the overindulgence of the “Apokries” (Carnival) period

preceding Clean Monday, when meat was the central focus of the meals. Fasting is a way to cleanse the body of impurities, and the meals eaten on Clean Monday reflect this to some extent. In any case, the day is now more than just a purely religious event and is celebrated by everyone religious or not.

Meal Choices

Because Clean Monday is a holiday which always falls on a three-day weekend, people will meet in family gatherings. Special meals are cooked, referred to as “nistisima” (lenten), since meat or dairy products are not traditionally permitted according to the fasting rules. Although fish is also excluded from the day’s diet, shellfish are allowed because they are considered to be bloodless. The most devout will also abstain from olive oil on this day, although this is rare in modern times.

A meal to be served on Clean Monday requires good planning and can also be expensive. The menu is designed to provide a choice of dishes that form a balanced meal when combined. Most of the dishes require quite a bit of work in their preparation and cleaning up afterwards. Typical foods include:

• Octopus, squid or cuttlefish cooked in wine

Taramosalata dip. This is typically available throughout the year in restaurants.

Monday Celebration

Fantaousakis, Public Affairs

sauce or dressed with vinegar

• Boiled leafy greens, with olive oil and lemon. These are collectively labeled in Greek cuisine as “horta”

• Fried potatoes and olives as accompaniments

• “Taramosalata” is a dip traditionally made from “taramas”, the salted and cured roe of the cod or the carp, though blends based on other forms of fish roe have become more common. The roe is mixed with either bread crumbs or mashed potato and lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil.

It is usually eaten as a dip, with bread and/or raw vegetables. The color can vary from creamy beige to pink, depending on the type of roe used. Ready-made taramosalata is often colored bright pink due to the addition of food coloring. It is definitely worth a try for those who love dips.

• For a dessert, an oil-based semolina called “halva” is appropriate, as it contains no milk or eggs. Another popular option in Crete is “xerotigana”, a type of fried dough drenched in syrup and sprinkled with nuts.

Kite Flying

Kite flying on Clean Monday is a family tradition in Greece. Greek kites are different from the ones used in the United States. They are usually shaped like a hexagon and use a single kite string. In the past, a senior family member would teach the kids how to make their kite using bamboo reeds, newspapers and glue created with flour and water. They had to cut the bamboo reed with

a paring knife without breaking it and without cutting it unevenly close to the knots. This enabled them to construct a light wooden frame, the tail of the kite and the paper body. If bamboos was not available, they would use wooden sticks. This has changed slightly over the years because kites are so inexpensive.

Sometimes the families will have a picnic on the spot after or during the kite flying process.

A hexagon shaped kite with a single cord, typical to those used in Greece.

2023 Overseas Housing Allowance

Service members stationed at NSA Souda Bay have an opportunity to directly impact Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowances by taking the 2023 Overseas Housing Allowance Utility Expenses Survey. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and is designed to collect utility/ recurring maintenance expense data incurred by uniformed service members stationed overseas who reside in private housing. Your data will assist in determining the Utility/ Recurring Maintenance Allowances paid to service members in Greece.

If you meet the following qualifications, you should participate in the survey:

• Have been stationed in the country, where this survey is being conducted, for at least 6 months

• Reside in privately leased quarters (not a homeowner or rent sharer)

• Receive an Overseas Housing Allowance

If you have participated in previous OHA surveys, the questions will be similar in scope. You will be asked to report the average monthly cost of utilities and any routine maintenance expenses you incurred within the last 12 months.

You may take the survey at the following link: https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/ Overseas-Housing-Allowance/OHA-DataCollection-Surveys/

The deadline to complete the survey is close of business March 31, 2023.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and should be completed by you or your spouse, whoever has knowledge of your housing expenses. A Common Access Card is not required to access the survey.

It is important to provide accurate figures in the OHA survey. Before starting the survey gather your bills, receipts, and/or records of utility and recurring maintenance expenses

incurred within the last 12 months and compute a MONTHLY AVERAGE for each of these expenses.

You may save the survey, obtain additional information, and resume the survey at any time during the survey timeframe. Please note that incomplete surveys cannot be used as this might result in underreporting of utility/ recurring maintenance expenses. Allowance adjustments based on incomplete data could disadvantage service members.

Responses are held in strictest confidence and are not shared with any other office or agency.

Special Survey Instructions

Currency: Report all your expenses in the currency in which you paid them. Do not convert costs.

Comments Section: Please enter any explanations that might help survey reviewers better understand your expenses. You may add any additional expenses that were not included in the survey. See the following chart for a list of reportable and non-reportable expenses for this survey.

Allowance Utility Expenses Survey

Utility and recurring maintenance expenses to report:

Expenses that Should be Reported Expenses that Should NOT be Reported

• Air filters

• Alarm monitoring fee

• Appliance repair

• Bottled drinking water

• Chimney sweep

• Coal

• Currency exchange fees for housing costs

• Electricity

• Firewood

• Heating oil

• Housing-related taxes

• Kerosene

• Landlord's maintenance fee

• Light bulbs

• Mold treatment

• Natural gas

• Pest control •

Plumbing

Propane

• Renter's insurance

• Repair of permanent fixtures

• Running water

• Sewer

• Trash disposal

• Wear and tear

• Wood pellets

• Other housing-related expenses may be reported in the comments section at the end of the survey.

• CableTV

• Internet

• Telephone bills

• Tuition

• Auto gasoline/diesel fuel

• Auto expenses

• Books

• Pet expenses

• Postage

• Road taxes

• Gifts

• Furniture

• Repairs to personally owned electrical equipment

• Maid service

• Yard/garden maintenance

• Any and all expenses not associated with the physical dwelling

The Parting Shot...