Public Affairs OfficerGreg Kuntz

Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Courtney PollockEditor -in-Chief

MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

Skywriter StaffMC2 Kegan Kay

MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Host Nation Relations Masako TakakuraSumie Maruyama

Ikumi Tanaka

WebmasterNoriko Yamazaki

ContributorsMWR Marketing Fleet and Family Support Center

Commissary Public AffairsNavy Exchange Public AffairsNAF Atsugi Tenant CommandsWe want to spotlight people who are doing good things for NAF Atsugi. If you have someone you’d like to recommend or to submit a photo, please e-mail:

at-pao@fe.navy.mil

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What’s Inside...

Transition to Civilian Life

Volunteering Outside the Gate

Importance of Physical Fitness

Let's LearnI’m going to see a movie this weekend. Konshumatuni eigawo miru yotei desu.

That’s fun, which movie?Omoshiro so desu ne. Dono ega desu ka?

It’s a science fiction movie. Esu Efu eiga desu.

What other kinds of movies do you like? Don na eiga ga suki desuka?

Action and romance. Akushon Eiga, Ren-ai Eiga.

Important phrases to know when you head out the gate:ON THE COVER

NAF Atsugi 1st Class Petty Officers participate in a CPO 365 community relations event outside the gate. Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

3 Things You Can Do To Be There For Every Sailor, Every Day

Many Sailors are preparing for upcoming Personal Change of Station (PCS) moves this summer, a transition that can bring about as much stress as it does excitement.Transitions can mean disruption to

daily routines and separation from one’s social and support networks (think exhausting and isolating cross-country drives for a PCS move, or transferring as a geobachelor).Even for experienced PCS pros who

are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their careers and lives, moves can be tough-particularly when they’re occurring during otherwise stressful times. The likelihood of making a bad or irrational decision is higher during transition periods, so identifying resources early is vital to keeping a shipmate healthy and mission-ready. Building resilience and preventing suicide requires each of us to be actively engaged and communicate with each other. Here are three things you can do to help your shipmates thrive through life’s unpredictable moments, not just survive:1. Get involved. You may know bits

and pieces about your shipmate’s life outside of the work center but may feel as though you don’t know enough to make a difference. Even though your buddy may casually dismiss his or her problems, or may not discuss them at length, take a moment to ask how he or she is doing and actively listen. If he or she indicates that there are other issues going on (relationship or family tension, financial worries, apprehension about career changes,

feelings of hopelessness, etc.), don’t be afraid to reach out and offer your support. Encourage him or her to speak with someone, perhaps a chaplain or trusted leader, before the situation becomes overwhelming. Getting assistance early is vital to ensuring that stressors don’t turn into crises, especially when a Sailor is starting a new chapter in life.2. Don’t hesitate to reach out to

others to “connect the dots.” While a shipmate may seem to have it all under control on the outside, it’s important to remain vigilant and pay attention to even the smallest signals that something isn’t right, particularly as a buddy is leaving a familiar environment and is heading to a new one. You may not be able to tell if a shipmate is or isn’t in crisis. If you notice anything out of the norm for a shipmate-whether it’s something he or she said jokingly or seriously, changes in attitude or daily behaviors and routines-break the silence and speak with others who know him or her well (a unit leader, roommate, family member or friend). They may have noticed the same cues or observed some that you weren’t aware of. Be the first to step up and start the conversation. By openly communicating to piece things together, you’re helping to “connect the dots” and facilitate the intervention process if a potentially serious situation is evolving.3. Remind a shipmate that he or

she is still a part of the team. Social connectedness, unit cohesion and purpose strengthen resilience and serve as protective factors against

suicide during stressful times. Though a shipmate may be detaching from your command-whether to PCS, leave the Navy, or any other reason-let him or her know that you’re still there for support and that you care about his/her well-being. Be sure that you have your shipmate’s contact information, ask about his or her upcoming plans (travel dates, pit stops/checkpoints, etc.) and then check with them on their progress often. Since your shipmate will be out of your line of sight, it’s important to ensure that key players remain engaged with him or her so that your buddy doesn’t lose the protection that a sense of community can provide. When Sailors feel as though they’re out of the “inner circle” (their network of friends, peers, or colleagues) it can have a detrimental effect on their sense of purpose and belonging. No matter where your shipmate is, they should never feel alone.Communication shouldn’t start

when you’re concerned about a shipmate or when someone is getting ready to leave for a new duty station. In order to have meaningful communication there must be trust, which is built over time. Remember to take a moment and ask your shipmates how things are going-and actively listen. Through simple acts of kindness, you can be there for “every Sailor, every day.”It’s okay to speak up when you’re

down. Help is always available. Call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (choose option 1) or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net.

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Story by Chief of Naval Personnel Pentagon

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Photo by MCC Michael Miller

Story by MC3 Ryan G. GreeneNAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

In the Twenty-First Century Sailor Program, continuum of service provides guidance for Sailors and Marines looking for ways to continue to serve in uniform and once they’ve set aside the uniform. For this reason, the Navy has

devoted a tenant of the Twenty-First Century Sailor Program to “Continuum of Service”, where Sailors have a one-stop shop to review all the things they’ll need to know before they leave active duty life. According to the official Navy

blog, continuum of service aims at ensuring Sailors and Marines are provided the most robust transition support in the history of the service. Whether retraining wounded warriors, providing voluntary education, or helping achieve civilian credentialing, the department will aim to provide personnel every opportunity for personal and professional growth. The Navy’s Credentialing

Opportunities Online (COOL)

program offers Sailors the opportunity to earn civilian certifications and licenses corresponding to their Navy ratings, collateral duties, and out-of-rating assignments. COOL is designed to further develop the personal and professional capabilities of the entire naval force, enhancing force readiness. Through each of the areas described in the secretary’s address, the Twenty-First Century Sailor and Marine initiative will realign many programs throughout the department and focus their combined efforts to ensure all personnel are mentally and physically prepared for the future fight have the knowledge, skills and support needed to succeed for the remainder of their lives. “The Twenty-First Century Sailor and Marine initiative is focused on the whole life of the individual and their family’s lives,” said Director, Twenty-First Century Sailor Office Rear Adm. Sean Buck. “When a Sailor’s or Marine’s time in the military ends whether it is after

four years or 40, we want your productive life to continue and for you to leave the service in better health, more trained and better educated than when you came in.” In line with this policy, Naval Air

Facility (NAF) Atsugi has created the Twenty-First Century Sailor Office here, to encourage, and actively promote the program and all of its tenants to Sailors both on shore and sea duty. “It’s really important that

everyone sit up and take note of this program,” said NAF Atsugi Twenty-First Century Sailor Office Coordinator Chief Master-at-Arms Jeffery Hilarski. “This program has been around for a few years now and unfortunately hasn’t got the attention that something of this magnitude should have, but we’re looking to rectify that now and I can say we’re making huge strides to educate all Sailors here on NAF Atsugi.”To read more about the Twenty-

First Century Sailor Continuum of Service program, check it out here.

Sailors Continue Service Out of Uniform

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For Sailors living at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, the walk from Sagamino train station to NAF Atsugi’s main gate is a familiar trek.With the number of bars,

restaurants and convenience stores between the two destinations it is probably no surprise regarding the amount trash littered along the way.Those who come to Japan quickly

learn that there are not many public trashcans to be found but sadly this doesn’t seem to stop some people from leaving their trash behind.The idea of trashing the area

around their temporary home, especially in a foreign land, did not sit well with several Sailors from NAF Atsugi.“Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd

Class Brandon Phillips grabbed some people and started picking up trash that others had left behind,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Steven Trimble.The effort Phillips and the others

Sailors made quickly turned into Operation Clean, a weekly gathering to pick up trash outside the main gate. While Phillips is at sea, his co-

leader Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Michael Lewis continues the commitment by keeping the project going.Lewis said that when he first

arrived to NAF Atsugi, he was appalled by the amount of trash left by people and he didn’t want the local community to get the wrong impression of Americans.Sailors with Operation Cleanup

take time every Sunday morning to

Story by MC2 Kegan E. KayNAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Sailors’ Small ActsImpacts Community

meet outside of the main gate and pick up trash along the walkways leading to the station. “I wanted to do volunteer work

with a group of people who had the right intentions in their volunteering,” said Trimble. “You don’t have to deal with the petty politics of a big organization or the people who are looking for evaluation ‘bullet points’.”To Lewis and Trimble picking up

the trash is no big deal, they see it as a responsibility that everyone should know to do on their own but ensure that it is taken care of.“If you take care of the basics, the

rest is easy,” said Lewis.NAF Atsugi’s Host Nation

Relations Community Relations Officer Sumie Maruyama said the Sailors involvement is very important and enforces a positive

relationship between the base and the local community.NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer

Capt. Steven Wieman agreed with Maruyama’s sentiments and together recognized the Sailors of Operation Cleanup for their hard work, dedication and for being proper Ambassadors while aboard NAF Atsugi.Maruyama said that she is very

proud of the Sailors and that they each demonstrate the true spirit of being a volunteer.“The work itself is satisfying,”

said Trimble. “You see tangible benefits from Operation Cleanup; the streets are cleaner and you see that it actually helps the community. Volunteering is just a way of showing that you care about the community that you are serving.”

Photo by MC1 Barry A. Riley

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there and exercise,” said Hospitalman Jessica Compton, of Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Atsugi patient care department. “I’ve found that getting out with my command to play softball or soccer is a great stress reliever, but also an even better way to build camaraderie with my shipmates.” With the Navy expected to do more with less, all Sailors are expected to do all they can to be the best Sailor they can be, and that often means going the extra mile, literally, Hermida added. “For many people here on NAF Atsugi, it’s not a

question of how or where to work out, with two high quality gyms and several group classes every day of the week, it’s just a matter of what fits into your schedule,” said Compton. “Personally I like to work out after work with a friend. Not only does it make things more fun, it also helps to keep one another accountable for our progress.”According to the Official Navy Blog, while manning

levels are expected to remain the same, cuts to other military funded projects are going to happen; this includes shipbuilding, weapon and ammunition procurement and aircraft production. With these cuts, Sailors will need to demonstrate a greater value to be able to re-enlist, which can be most easily reflected in their yearly evaluations. “It’s important for Sailors here on NAF Atsugi to

be ready for the PRT for more than just them,” said Hermida. “We’re out here on the tip of the spear and if anyone is called on, it’ll be us. The Navy and American people are counting on us to do our jobs protecting freedom, and that begins with staying fit.” For more information on staying fit, and Navy

sponsored programs see the Twenty-First Century Sailor homepage under the physical fitness tab, here.

With the military downsizing and the requirements to stay in the Navy becoming more stringent, physical fitness can be one of the areas that all Sailors aboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi can shine. The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

in an effort to decrease the loss rate of active duty personnel developed the ShipShape Program, the Navy’s official intervention program for weight management. ShipShape facilitates healthy body composition in active duty personnel who have failed that component of the Physical Readiness Test. “It’s the Sailor’s responsibility to maintain physical

fitness standards constantly and consistently, not solely at the time of semiannual testing,” said Assistant Command Fitness Leader Religious Specialist 1st Class Larrifour Hermida. “It’s important for Sailors to maintain a minimum level of physical fitness necessary for worldwide deployment readiness, whenever and wherever needed. That’s why the Navy has created the Twenty-First Century Sailor Program, to encourage and promote all the things Sailors can do to help themselves and their careers.” According to the Twenty-First Century Sailor Program, all Sailors should complete at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking (3 mph or faster), bicycling (slower than 10 mph) and water aerobics. High-intensity activities include jogging or running, lap swimming, jumping rope and circuit training. Sailors should also perform strength-training exercises at least twice a week to work all major muscle groups. “We really encourage everyone to just get out

Story by MC3 Ryan G. GreeneNAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Physical Fitness Brings Sailors Together For Stronger Navy

Photo by MC2 Joshua J. Wahl

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USO is hosting a Summer Kick-Off BBQ on Sat., Jun. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Yokosuka Base’s Red Brick Area. There will

be free food, children’s games and bouncy house. Enter for a chance to win a 2014 Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 or $5000 cash. The event is open to SOFA personnel only. For more information please call 241-4894.

USO Summer Kickoff

Family & individual summer pool passes are now available at the Outdoor Pool! Family passes are $100 and individual passes are

$40. The Outdoor Pool is open daily from 12 – 7 p.m. Summer Pool Passes

MWR is currently issuing new bar-coded “Swipe Cards” for use in the following MWR facilities: Liberty, Outdoor Recreation, ITT, Cinema

77, Bowling Center and the Gyms. This new card will replace your military or civilian I.D. card for “swiping” into MWR facilities. This is a one-time registration only. Beginning Monday, June 23, our systems will only accept these new cards.

MWR Swipe Cards

Register at CYP Central Registration (Bldg. 3250) for summer swim lessons. For more information,

please call 264-3588. Swim lessons offered: Session 2: Jul 7 - 18 (Registration Dates: Jul 1 - 3 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Session 3: Jul 21 - 1 Aug (Registration Dates: Jul 16 – 18 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Session 4: Aug 4 - 15 (Registration Dates: Jul 30 – Aug 1 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

2014 Summer Swim Lessons

Light up the Night and bring the kids & four-legged friends for a

night of fun! Each participant will receive one glowing item, but we encourage you to wear your own because the person with the most glow wins a prize! We’ll start registration at 6 p.m. on Thu, Jul 3 at Ranger Park with the run kicking off at 7 p.m. The first 50 adults to register get a commemorative t-shirt!

Red, White & Glow Family Fun Run

Join us for lunch or dinner at the Golf Course to try our new Theme Cuisine specials. Each week will offer a different type of dish for lunch and dinner, customized at our chef station to be made especially for you! These dishes will be served for lunch Mon. – Fri. and dinner Mon. – Thurs. Check our Facebook page for the June 2014 schedule!

New Theme Cuisine at the Golf Course Restaurant

We want YOU in the July 4th Parade! Show up with your festive wear, decorated cars/floats, and lots of cheer in front of Ranger Gym on Fri, Jul 4 at 3:15 p.m. to participate!

Parade begins at 4 p.m. This year we’re celebrating the Flags of America at Taylor Field starting at 4 p.m. There will be live music, games, arts & crafts, free food, and of course FIREWORKS! After the fireworks display grab a place on the lawn for Movies Under the Stars.

4th of July

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NAF Atsugi Morale, Welfare, & Recreation

Ranger & Halsey Hours:

Sunday & Saturday:7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday - Friday:5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Liberty CenterHours:

Sunday & Thursday:11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Friday - Saturday:11 a.m. - Midnight

Fri., June 20:ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129)SAPR Resident Advisor (RA):9 - 10 a.m. (Conf. Room)Mon., June 23:AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129)Tues., June 24:ICR:8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129)NPS Playgroup:9:30 - 11 a.m.Welcome Coffee:10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge)Wed., June 25:Teaching English in Japan:10 - 12 a.m. (216)SAPR VA Refresher Training:1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)Thurs., June 26: Anger Management Class IV: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)Fri., June 27:ICR:8:30 a.m. - Noon (129)Mon., June 30:SAPR POC Training:8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room)SAPR DCC Training:1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)Tues., July 1:Summer Splash:10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool)Wed., July 2:NPS Playgroup:9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)FRG Training:9 - 11 a.m. (Conf. Room)Thurs., July 3:Washi Craft:9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129)Anger Management (5/5):9 - 10 a.m. (Conf. Room)

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Chief Electronics Technician Mark Love greets students from Minami Junior High School, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Chief Petty Officers (CPO) and 1st Class Petty Officers before planting flowers behind the Sagamino Train Station as part of a CPO 365 event.

Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Wieman shakes hands with participants after last month’s Yamato Station Clean-up. The monthly clean-up effort is carried out alongside Let’s Learn From Clean Up, Yamato, a local group dedicated to keeping cities clean for future use.

Photo by MC1 Barry A. Riley

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