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Public Affairs OfficerHoward Samuelson

Assistant Public Affairs Officer and

Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW)

Barry Riley

EditorMC3 Ryan G. Greene

Skywriter StaffMC2 Kegan E. Kay

MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Host Nation Relations Masako TakakuraSumie Maruyama

Ikumi Tanaka

WebmasterNoriko Yamazaki

ContributorsMWR Marketing Fleet and Family Support Center

Commissary Public Affairs

Navy Exchange Public AffairsNAF Atsugi

Tenant Commands

What’s Inside...

Let's Learn Nihongo

Sailor Kicks Muay Thai into High Gear

NAF Atsugi Welcomes HSC-25

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A Look Back at Navy Ball 2014

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ON THE COVERAircrew Survival

Equipmentman 2nd Class Daniel Ghoul participates in a Muay Thai class held at Halsey Gym on Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene.

Happy Birthday! O tanjobi omedeto!

When is your birthday?Anata no o tanjobi wa itsu desu ka?

How old are you now?Ima nansai desu ka?

I’m 25 years old.Watashi wa nijugo sai desu.

What do you want for your birthday?

O tanjobi presento wa nani ga ii desu ka.

The NAFAtsugi Spolight

Take a look at the highlights from this year’s Navy Ball held at the NAF Atsugi Convention Center on Oct. 9, 2014. This year’s theme was “From Wind to Steam, Wood to Steel- Celebrating 239 years of Excellence.”

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Story by Fire Chief Pete SorensenNAF Atsugi Fire Department

Station Chief Lights Up Fire Facts

Each year since 1922, America emphasizes fire prevention and safety through a campaign called Fire Prevention Week. Its purpose is to provide education to all citizens so overall fire safety is improved, fewer people are injured or killed by fire, and less property is damaged. Many people participate in Fire Prevention Week

activities, but few know why this tradition started. According to popular legend, the Great Chicago Fire

of 1871 broke out after a cow—belonging to Mrs. O’Leary—kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. The tragic fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned over 2,000 acres. There have been other theories about the origins

of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 including: boys smoking cigarettes, an angry neighbor, and even a meteorite. However the fire started (the cow is still the best story), the death and damage it caused made city officials take notice of fire safety issues. Those

who survived the fire forced changes in building construction standards, spacing between buildings, safer construction methods, and many other advancements that continue to make our communities safer than in the past. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Month is

“Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month.” The theme reflects one of the fire safety improvements that can be traced back to its bovine roots… the smoke detector. Smoke detectors are everywhere now, but should not be taken for granted. They need to be installed correctly, tested and maintained well, and most importantly; listened to. Smoke detectors provide early indication of a fire

while residents still have time to escape the flames. Your family’s safety may depend on them.

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Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Convention Center was a flurry of activity with the staff and Sailors running about decorating for the Navy Ball.The theme of this year’s ball was

“From Wind to Steam, Wood to Steel- Celebrating 239 years of Excellence.”Navy Ball Committee Head Chief

Master-at-Arms Daniel Brooks stated the theme was chosen long before the Navy announced an official standardized theme, and have spent the past eight months prepping for the night’s event. Brooks said that the committee has

been working on everything from fund raising, making the tickets and programs, to the historical displays seen at the ball.The displays included manikins wearing

older uniforms, the history of various navy rates, memorabilia and even World War II propaganda posters.The evening rolled right into the celebration’s

chain of events with the parading of the colors and the traditional roll call.Between the silly chants, occasional taunts and even

a siren blare from Branch Health Clinic Atsugi, the roll call ended with a lot of cheer. “That was the best roll call I’ve ever heard at a Navy

Ball,” said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Terry Kraft, the guest speaker of the night. “I need to train them up in Yokosuka to do something like that.”Inside the convention center, the U.S. Air Force

Band of the Pacific-Asia added ambiance while people mingled and put together their plates from the international buffet tables. Outside on the patio under the strung up lanterns, the

guests sat and listened to the music that the DJ played through the evening’s ceremony. “Our birthday allows us to look back at how our

history has shaped us into the fighting force we are today,” said Kraft. “Throughout our 239 year history we’ve been where it matters, when it matters, as our ships have progressed from wind to steam, wood to steel and this year we actually celebrate 60 years of nuclear power propulsion on our warships.”The ceremony drifted to a close with the presentation

of the traditional toasts given by the special guests, and then the oldest and youngest Sailor in attendance were selected to cut the birthday cake alongside Kraft and NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey. “For more than two centuries we’ve manned the

watch and we should be extremely proud of our success on the sea, above the sea and below it,” said Kraft.

NAF Atsugi Celebrates Navy’s 239th Birthday

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NAF Atsugi Celebrates Navy’s 239th BirthdayStory and Photos by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

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Sailor Kicks fitness into He carefully wrapped his hands in the fabrics to conceal as much flesh and bone as possible. Trusting that his hands were protected, he brought them before his face, which was padded in hardened foam, matted with sweat and bruised in shades of purple and blue; ready to begin the final bout of the Grachan Amateur Competition. It was there, under the bright stage lights, and the screaming of fans and friends that the years of practice and hard work finally paid off for Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Daniel Goul. “It was exhilarating time for me,” he said. “After practicing and working for so long, it was so worth it, it was incredible.”“It hasn’t been just weeks or even a few years,” said Gouls sparring partner Christopher Martin. “Dan

has been practicing Muay Thai since he was a teenager and he’s got the skills to prove it.” While working his first job as a movie theater attendant, 16-year-old Goul was introduced to Muay Thai by a coworker and hasn’t stopped training since. “My first instructor was an Olympic athlete, and I’m not exaggerating,” said Goul. “He worked us over night and day, always pushing us to be better fighters and competitors, and to be better people than the ones who had walked through the door.”It would seem that same drive and spirit has never left him. Almost a decade later, Goul continues to train and work hard to be the best fighter he can be.As he sat, preparing for another bout with his opponent, he made one thing clear; it’s not just about the fighting.

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Sailor Kicks fitness into high gear with muay thai

Story and Photos by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

“Muay Thai is more than just some blood sport for people to beat each other up. It’s spiritual; a full body experience and a way of life,” he added. Muay Thai evolved from Muay Boram in the early 15th century, much in the way Sumo wrestling evolved in Japan. It’s now considered a traditional form of entertainment in much of Thailand, explained Gouls Muay Thai instructor Far Flysky. “That’s what this has been all about, pushing yourself to be the best you,” Goul added. “I only wanted to be fit, and with Muay Thai, I’ve found a great way to do that and have a lot of fun too.” In his first six months of training at NAF Atsugi, Goul has done more than just get fit. He was able to drop more than 50 pounds, going from 196 lbs. to 146 lbs. to be prepared to fight in the amateur leagues. “Muay Thai is all about self-control,” said Flysky. “Having that skill and the power is important and Dan has done a great job at showcasing that skill. We want anyone who thinks they’ve got it in them to come out and give it a try.”The first class is free and the cost to continue the class is $80 per month. It is open to all members of the NAF Atsugi community. “This is a class that Far and I started almost five years ago,” said Martin. “I really want for this to continue and the only way we can make that happen is to get more people to come out and see what this sport is really all about.”For Goul, that was all it took to get him hooked into coming back to practice with a newfound family. “For me, I know it’s more than just

getting fit and staying having fun,” said Goul. “These people are my family, and we do a lot together, and I cannot imagine having spent my time here in Japan any differently than with these guys and gals. I want people to know that if they’re looking for a family while stationed in Atsugi, the Muay Thai club is a great place to start looking.”For more on joining the Muay Thai class, call 264 – 3619 or stop by Halsey Gym Wednesday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon.

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HSM-51 Warlords WelcomeHSC-25 Detachment Six to NAF AtsugiHelicopter Maritime Strike

Squadron (HSM) 51 Warlords are proud to welcome Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Detachment 6, known as the “Island Knights.” The squadron moved from their previous location at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni to NAF Atsugi, on Oct.1. NAF Atsugi was chosen as the logical alternative versus the squadron’s home base at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. The relocation was necessary

while MCAS Iwakuni undergoes airfield construction and effected space limitation.Det. 6 provides logistic,

search and rescue, and armed helicopter support for the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), as well as several supply ships operating throughout 7th Fleet. The Warlords and Island

Knights have a standing working relationship. Last summer the Island Knights welcomed HSM-51, Det. 2 to Guam for temporary shore basing in support of Exercise Pandarra Fog and numerous U.S. Marine Corps joint-training flights. The Island Knights provided

valuable training, maintenance support and hospitality to the Warlords and were instrumental

in the successful execution of their ground-breaking exercises. Det. 6 is expected to initially maintain two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters (with a third expected to arrive later in the year), have a footprint of approximately 30 sailors, and will be sharing hangar space with the Warlords over the next two years.In addition to increasing

the helicopter presence in the Kanto region, another priceless benefit of sharing the local airspace will be the increased opportunities for integrated training and the wealth of corporate knowledge a highly specialized squadron like the Island Knights will provide. Missions such as Search and

Rescue, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance Tactical Formation Flying, and Confined

Area Landings are all missions that are universal across naval helicopter squadrons, and all will be able to benefit from the mutual training opportunities.Having the Island Knights

onboard NAF Atsugi will also provide a rare opportunity for the Naval Helicopter Association’s Region (NHA) SIX to have representation from nearly all of their squadron members on one single base. NHA Region SIX members

include HSM-37 based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, HSC-25in Guam, and HSM-51, HSM-77, and HSC-12 at NAF Atsugi. The Warlords are excited

to welcome another team of helicopter professionals to the Atsugi aviation community, and look forward to flying with the Island Knights well into the future.

Story by Lt. Adam RollinsHSM - 51 Public Affairs Officer

Photo by Lt. j.g. Timothy Tran

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Fri., Oct. 24:ICR:8:30 a.m. - Noon (216)Kids AOB/ICR:12:30 - 3 p.m. (129)Mon., Oct. 27:AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129)Tues., Oct. 28:Million Dollar Sailor: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (216)Wed., Oct. 29:Trick-or-Treat at FFSC: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (Bldg. 949) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)NPS Halloween Potluck: 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. (Bldg. 3069)Thurs., Oct. 30: Volunteer Orientation: 1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)Dads 101:2 - 4:30 p.m. (216)Fri., Oct. 31:SAPR POC Training: 8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room)SAPR DCC Training:1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)Mon., Nov. 3:AOB:7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)TAPS/GPS Workshop:8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Tues., Nov. 4: NPS Playgroup:9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)Wed., Nov. 5:NPS Playgroup:9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)Thurs., Nov. 6:Obi Wall Hanging:9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129)

HSC-12 Holds At-Sea Change of Command

Cmdr. Jason Young relieved Cmdr. Jeffery Holzer as commanding officer of the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12) Golden Falcons during an at-sea change of command ceremony held aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) on Oct. 21. Holzer, who assumed command of

HSC-12 on July 27, 2013, guided the squadron through the successful execution of various exercises such as Annual Exercise 13, Keen Sword 13, Valiant Shield 13, Adiutrix Spear, and deployments with Carrier Strike Group Five and coalition partners in the region.During the patrols they performed

operations in various waters throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations. Under Holzer, the squadron flew more than 4,500 flight hours and was called upon to provide immediate support for

the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort in the Republic of the Philippines for Operation Damayan. Most fixed-wing aircraft were flown off the ship to maximize helicopter operations which resulted in the ability to move 337,416 pounds of critical relief supplies and 1,013 passengers, including relief workers, medical staff and members of the press in support of this operation. Holzer also incorporated the

Fixed Forward Firing Weapon System into the squadron which brought a new capability to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces operating environment.Young is excited to take the helm

of the oldest active duty rotor wing squadron in the Navy. “Excellence is only the beginning

of the capability of the ‘Golden Falcons’; now as a team we strive for more as we advance towards new horizons of accomplishment,” said Young.

Story by Lt. j.g. Alicia WillmsHSC - 12 Public Affairs Officer

Photo by MC3 Chris Cavagnaro

To sign up for any FFSC Class, Call 264 - 3372

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Throughout the month of November MWR is celebrating Military Family Appreciation Month. The Family Passport offers Atsugi

families a chance to play and win $25 MWR gift cards by participating in base activities and events. Look for the free passports and details at

Cinema 77, Ranger Gym or the Library. For any questions, call MWR at 264-3574.

Family Passport Promo

Come to Skymasters Lounge on Tuesday evenings to enjoy Huddle Menu specials, draft beer and Monday Night Football 6 - 9 p.m.!

Replay Tuesdays

E1-E4 Sailors get a free movie ticket and mini snack combo for the 10 p.m. show every Friday and Saturday. Sign up at the Corner Pocket Cash Cage or call 264-4750 with questions.

Late Night Liberty Movie Madness

This 12-week program equips kids ages 7-16 with the physical training and goal-setting mentality needed to accomplish their running goals and push themselves in ways they never knew possible. The group meets twice a week to help kids train to be able to participate in the Trick or Treat 5K and Turkey Trot 5K runs. Call 264-3826 for more info.

Kids Go Running Club Sat., Oct. 25 come out for the Trick or

Treat 5K starting at 9 a.m. This family fun run/walk will feature awards for best costume, so dress to impress in your finest Halloween attire!The Teen Center will be decortating

pumpkins during the last week of Oct. Come in on Halloween, to the bowling

alley for the Liberty Center Bash!

Halloween Events

Stand-up comedian George Wallace, who has headlined at the Flamingo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for over 10 years, is coming to NAF Atsugi Sat., Nov. 8 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the ACC. This is a free all-hands, adults-only (ages 18+) event.

George Wallace

If you’ve been on an MWR trip while stationed here at NAF Atsugi, then we’re looking for your photo! Call MWR at 264 - 3770 to submit your photo and enter to win a $25 tours gift certificate!

ITT Photo Contest

Ranger & Halsey Gym 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

On Tues., Nov. 11 from 1 - 9 p.m. at Atsugi Lanes all U.S. active duty and retired military bowl two games for the price of one and get free rental shoes. Must present I.D. card to receive discount (discount is per I.D. holder). This event is Family Passport Promotion eligible!

For more information on this and other great MWR specials, be sure to stop by the MWR ITT and Tours Offices today to sign up, or call MWR at 264 - 3574.

Veterans Day Special

NAF Atsugi Tours office is looking for enthusiastic, well-experienced Japan tour guides. Call 264-3786 or stop by our offices located in Bldg. 978 for more info on how to sign up today.

Wanted: Tour Guides

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The Defense Commissary Agency has established a formal process covering diversion of unsellable but edible food to local food banks.The program now involves 110

commissaries that will divert qualifying food to 77 food banks approved by the Department of Defense, but both numbers will continue to rise.“During fiscal year 2013, DeCA

donated 638,582 pounds,” said Randy Eller, deputy director of DeCA’s logistics division.“Already in fiscal 2014, we have

donated more than 1 million pounds, so our donations this year could approach 1.5 million pounds,” he continued. “This may sound like a lot, and the food banks are certainly grateful, but edible, unsellable product amounts to less than 1 percent of what we sell worldwide. We strive for as little loss as possible to remain efficient and effective.”Following the government

shutdown in 2013, DeCA and government officials recognized the need for a formal program for diverting unsellable but wholesome food.Once stateside commissaries

returned to normal operations after the Oct. 2-6 shutdown, DeCA received a one-time exception from the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness to authorize local food banks to receive food donations.With that exception, DeCA turned

over approximately $250,339 in grocery, meat and produce merchandise to 72 food banks throughout the United States,

Story by Kevin L. RobinsonDeCA Public Affairs

preventing entry into the waste stream. Turning that one-time project into an ongoing program involved nearly six months of work. DeCA headquarters staff contacted all U.S. commissaries and established procedures to gain approval for participating food banks.This system differs from the annual

Feds Feed Families campaign that runs June through August. Under Feds Feed Families, commissaries serve as collection points for their installations, and all donations come from DeCA customers.Commissary patrons are also

reminded to continually check the DeCA website here, select the “Shopping” link and click on “Sales & Events” tab for the latest in promotional information.The Defense Commissary Agency

operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones.

Commissaries Partner with Food Banks

Store Hours:Sunday10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Tuesday - Friday10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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