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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 Commands

We 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

What’s Inside...

NAF Atsugi Tests NEO Plan

Firefighters Play Ball in Atsugi

Sailors Volunteer in Busan

Let's Learn

See Page 4

See Page 5

See Page 8

I’m planning on taking leave. Watashi wa kyuka wo toru yotei desu.

Who will you see?Dare ni au no desuka?

My mom, dad, older and younger brothers and sisters. Watashi Okasan, Otosan, Imoto, Onesan, Oni-san, Oto-to

You have a big family.Dai kazoku desune.

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

Commander, Naval Forces Japan Fire and Emergency Services Regional Deputy Fire Chief Gifton Lawrence, Jr. throws the opening pitch during the 3rd Annual Friendship Firefighter Softball Tournament held at Ranger Field on Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi. Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay.

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Story by MC1 Trevor WelshCommander, Task Force 70 Public AffairsAs the sun set over waters south

of China, the commander of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed air wing was on approach to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) about to join a club of distinguished and experienced naval aviators who have achieved the career milestone of 1,000 arrested landings, or “traps.”Capt. William “Condor” Koyama,

commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, flying an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Dambusters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, caught the number two arresting wire on George Washington’s flight deck June 14 at approximately 6:48 p.m. (local).“This is great honor and privilege,”

said Koyama “I was lucky in that I stayed in the cockpit for most of my career, and that is unusual today because of the other career development demands on aviators.”After making the successful

landing, Koyama was joined by Sailors assigned to CVW-5’s squadrons and George Washington in VFA-195’s ready room to share

celebratory cake and reflect on his accomplishment. He also took time to thank members of the arresting gear maintenance crew, without them those traps would not be possible.“It was important to get the

arresting gear folks in the ready room for cake,” Koyama said. “If it were possible, though, I’d have had catapult crews, [aircraft launch and recovery equipment], reactor, etc., in there. The point is that without all of them I would have been able to fly exactly zero traps. I get the credit for sitting in the ejection seat, but each of them contributes to making the ship-air wing team function.”Koyama, a native of Oregon,

received his naval aviator wings December 1990. He made his first trap aboard USS Lexington (CV 16). Since then, he has served aboard several other aircraft carriers. He was also previously assigned to CVW-5 in 2000 as a department head for the “Golden Dragons” of VFA-192 embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well

CVW-5 Commander Captures Historic Milestone

Photo by Capt. William Koyama

as the CVW-5 deputy commander in 2011 before assuming command Dec. 13, 2013.“There is no doubt in my mind

that this is the best job in the world for a ‘Tailhook’ naval aviator,” said Koyama. “After serving in tours based on the west coast, the east coast and Japan, when I screened for [air wing commander], I immediately requested to return to CVW-5. We are embarked more than any other air wing averaged over three years, and when we are ashore, I get to continue to work with and learn from all of our aircraft types, not just the strike fighters. Put another way, as [air wing commander] in Japan, you get your whole train set 24/7/365 of your entire three year tour, and you stay busy with them.”CVW-5 is a collection of

aircraft designed to perform various functions and missions. The aircraft are attached to: the “Diamondbacks” of VFA-102 flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet; the “Royal Maces” of VFA-27, the “Eagles” of VFA-115 and VFA-195 each flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet; the “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 flying the EA-18G Growler; the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 flying the E-2C Hawkeye; the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, Detachment 5, flying the C-2A Greyhound; the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 flying the MH-60S Seahawk; and the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 flying the MH-60R Seahawk. For this story, click here.

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Active Duty and Reservist Sailors gathered in Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Air Operations terminal (Air Ops), July 9, for a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise.The purpose of the exercise

was to test the building’s effectiveness to meet the needs of an evacuee processing center by making plans for the use of the building, promoting awareness of the process and identifying needed resources and where to gather equipment.The exercise consisted of three

parts including an evaluation of the building to set up substations, a brief with the emergency management team and a mock run through of the whole process.NAF Atsugi Emergency Management Officer David Puckett said another key point of the NEO drill was to evaluate all problems and issues with using Air Ops so that they can be dealt with before an actual NEO event.Commander, Naval Forces

Japan Logistics Planning Officer Lt. Sam Chea also feels this is a good opportunity for hands-on training and looked forward to seeing participants workout all of the kinks in their procedures.“I hope that Atsugi planners

and coordinators, as well as reservists, learn the short-falls

in their plans and [I hope] that it allows them to further their plans for better execution,” said Chea.Regional Emergency

Management Program Director for Japan Scot Freeman said that a major benefit of this drill is to provide the installation a point of departure. “It’s also to establish a

standardization of the process or standard operating procedure to rely upon in the event they are directed to initiate a NEO from Atsugi,” said Freeman. Puckett said the logistics of the

exercise were incredible and that it will hopefully provide a good foundation and plan of action in event a NEO must be conducted.“I expect us to identify issues

and problems,” said Puckett. “This allows us to help in times of crises and how we care for our personnel.” “NEO performs as a very

protective action pillar under the emergency management umbrella,” said Freeman. “If installations can be expected to be given orders to execute NEO, and they haven’t done steps like Atsugi is doing today, then they will be basically having to perform procedures that otherwise could have been arranged and pre-planned in advanced.”For more on NEO prep, check

out the NavyReady webpage here and NAF Atsugi Facebook.

Story by MC2 Kegan E. Kay NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) is the ordered (mandatory) or authorized (voluntary) departure of civilian noncombatants and nonessential military personnel from danger in an overseas country to a designated safe haven, typically within the continental United States.

Overseas evacuations could occur under a variety of circumstances, including civil unrest, military uprisings, environmental concerns, and natural disasters.

The Department of State (DOS) recommends an evacuation, and the Department of the Army—as the Department of Defense (DOD) Executive Agent for repatriation (RE-PAT) planning and operations—coordinates the execution of NEO.

NAF Atsugi Welcomes Trouble During NEO Drill

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

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Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Fire Department will host their 3rd annual Friendship Firefighters Softball Tournament on July 12 at Ranger Park.The participating softball teams are made up of

firefighters from Yokohama City Seya-Ward, Zama City, Yamato City, Ebina City, Ayase City, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Atsugi, Commander, Naval Region Japan Fire Department Atsugi, and NAF Atsugi Naval Security Force.The tournament provides a relaxed atmosphere

where the firefighters can build relationships amongst one another outside of work. “The purpose is to generate camaraderie among our

Mutual Aid Fire Departments,” said Commander, Fire and Emergency Services Regional Deputy Fire Chief Gifton Lawrence, Jr. “Often times when we get together, it’s during a training event, or an actual emergency. Spending a fun-filled day playing softball is what’s needed to de-stress and enjoy each other’s company.” The tournament will consist of one-pitch games to

allow every team a chance to play against each other. The team with the most homeruns at the end of the day will take home the trophy.In a one-pitch game the innings go by quickly and

require the players to be great hitters and fast runners.With the previous two years being a success, this

year is expected to be the same, with the softball field echoing with chants, laughter and teasing.“Relationships are built on trust, mutual respect and

admiration for one another,” said Lawrence. “In order to achieve it, you have to feel comfortable with that

person. So, what better way to achieve that comfort level than enjoying a friendly game of softball?” The tournament also allows the firefighters to bring their

families to enjoy the games, eat American BBQ with the occasional Japanese dish mixed in and strengthen intercultural relationships.Family members can sit on the hill in the shade under

the trees to watch the games or even participate in a game or two themselves.The tournament’s goal has always been to build

camaraderie and further strengthen professional ties both on and off the installation with the fire departments, and every year continues to highlight the success of that goal.“This softball tournament not only benefits our Fire

Department at Atsugi, it benefits the region as a whole, and is an integral part of our Regional Fire and Emergency Services’ community outreach program,” said Lawrence. “This is our 3rd annual softball tournament, so the plan is to continue with this initiative.”

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Story by MC3 Ricardo Guzman USS George Washington Public Affairs

Sailors from Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) and Republic of Korea (ROK) navy and ROK participated in a community relations project (COMREL) at the Jongdukwon Orphanage, July 14.Thirty-four U.S. Navy and six ROK

navy Sailors participated in various activities with children during one of George Washington’s eight COMREL events in Busan.“It was a great day coming in and

seeing how genuinely happy the kids were when we played with them,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Domingo Rodriguez, from George Washington’s legal department. “When we take time out to come here and work with our allies to serve their community, it helps the people know that we’re not just here to provide military support.”Sailors were first greeted by staff and

given a brief introduction to the history of the orphanage. Shortly after, Sailors helped clean the playground and make water balloons for the children.“I really appreciate the kindness the

Sailors have shown to our children,” said Shi Wook Song, Jongdukwon Orphanage vice-principal. “The Sailors are very loving and the children love to interact with them. Their presence here shows the kinship that we are building.”The staff then welcomed the Sailors to

a traditional Korean dessert, bean-soup ice cream, while they shared laughs

and stories.“I feel really good about volunteering

with our U.S. allies,” said ROK navy Senior Chief Won Jeong Hyun. “Interacting with each other in a non-military capacity opens up the doors for new friendships and really gives new insight into our relationship as people.”Children soon paired up with Sailors,

took them by the hand and ran out to the playground to play jump rope, soccer, compete in a three-legged race and have a water-balloon fight.“The children really loved playing

games with the Sailors,” said Song. “These children don’t all have parents or a home and the attention that they’re getting is just what they need.”As the day came to a close, Sailors,

staff and children shared snacks and posed for photos before high-fiving good-bye.“The smiles and gratitude we

received today was amazing,” said Rodriguez. “The staff was extremely nice and welcoming, and the children were very friendly, eager and adorable. It makes me proud to have participated today.”George Washington and its embarked

air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.For more information on the George

Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Aircraft Strike Group, be sure to check out their Facebook page here.

George Washington, Stethem, ROK Navy Sailors Participate in COMREL at Busan Orphanage

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Fri., July 18:SAPR Resident Advisor (RA)9 - 10 a.m. (Conf. Room)Mon., July 21:AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129)Tues., July 22:Summer Splash:10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool)Welcome Coffee:10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge)Wed., July 23:NPS Playgroup:9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)Sponsorship Class:9 - 11 a.m. (216)Thurs., July 24: Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129)Conv. Japanese Class:5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (217)Fri., July 25:ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129)Mon., July 28:SAPR POC Training:8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room)SAPR DCC Training:1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)Tues., July 29: Summer Splash:10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool)Early Pregnancy Class:2 - 4:30 p.m. (Conf. Room)Wed., July 30:Teaching English in Japan:10 a.m. - Noon (216)Stress Management:11 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room)Thurs., July 31:Reduce Debt and Credit Reports:1 - 2 p.m. (129)Volunteer Orientation:1 - 3 p.m. (216)

Navy Federal: Summer OffersNavy Federal has great offers for our youngest members. Receive up to $75

when you sign up for all three offers. Get $25 when you open a Campus Checking Account, SaveFirst Account and/or Visa Buxx Card. Restrictions may apply. Please see a representative at the Atsugi Branch for more details.

Kabuki Appreciation Class July 26 - 27

The “Kabuki” no “Mikata” (how to appreciate Kabuki) commentary program that precedes the performance also enjoys tremendous popularity, where Kabuki actors give clear and detailed explanations of the highlights of the performance. In this Kabuki appreciation class,

popular Kabuki performances are introduced by a fine Kabuki cast for as many people as possible to casually experience the facinating world of Kabuki with its 400 year old tradition. A free Kabuki handbook and

program are also distributed, this is an excellent opportunity for beginners of any age to enjoy and

understand Kabuki. The performance will be both Sat.,

July 26 and Sun., July 27 at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center and the play will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. The price is ¥ 3,300 for active duty military and adult dependants and ¥1,300 for children. There is a ¥700 per person English

earphone guide available for purchase. To purchase tickets over the phone

(Japanese only) please call 0570 (015) 415. To order tickets online, click here. For help with ordering tickets, please call the NAF Atsugi HNRO office at 264 - 4454.

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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.

New 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

Now until the end of summer NAF Atsugi will host free golf clinics for both adults and children, with the adult clinics starting every Friday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Kids clinics will be offered Sat. Aug 2 and 16 from 9 - 10 a.m. The clinics are open to all active duty and dependents. The event will be held at the NAF Atsugi Driving Range.

Free Golf Clinics

Join us Jul. 7 - Sept. 4 to Shed some extra weight with great workouts and motivation in our Lose 2 Win Challenge. Win awards and prizes for the top male and female body fat loss! Call Ranger Gym’s Health & Wellness at 264-3619.

Lose 2 Win Challenge

Be sure to come out the the next MWR Movies Under the Stars July 19 at Taylor Field at 7:15 p.m. to watch Mr. Peabody and Sherman rated PG. In case of rain the movie will be

cancelled .

Movies Under the Stars

Now through Aug. 6 join us at the library every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for toddler story time!

Summer Reading at Your Library

Be sure to stop by Halsey Gym Thur., July 17 5:15 - 7:30 p.m. to join BodyCombat or BodyPump.

BodyCombat and BodyPump Back

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

Photo Courtesy of Les Mills

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Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison is the Defense Commissary Agency’s new senior enlisted adviser to the director. He reported to the agency July 1. Allison follows Army Command Sgt. Maj. John M. Gaines Jr., who retires Aug. 31.In Allison’s previous assignment

at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., he served as superintendent of the 509th Mission Support Group.At DeCA, he will be the agency’s military advocate for enlisted service members – active duty, retired and reserve components – on all commissary benefit issues. He will address their questions

and needs to the DeCA Director and

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

Closed Mondays

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

Saturday9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Story by Kevin L. Robinson DECA Public Affairs

CEO Joseph H. Jeu. The senior enlisted adviser is also

the agency’s chief liaison to the military’s senior enlisted leaders.“Chief Allison will help us stay

connected to our enlisted patrons and their families,” Jeu said. “His vast experience gives him a unique understanding of the issues that affect our military community, and he will play a key role to help ensure we are delivering the best benefit possible.”A lot of Allison’s time from 2006

to 2014 has been spent in and out of deployments. In 2006, he served four months in Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, as a supply superintendent for the 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron during Operation Iraqi Freedom.From November 2009 to

September 2010, Allison was a senior enlisted adviser for theAfghan National Army, Logistics Command, in Kabul, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom. For three months in 2012, he served as a squadron superintendent for the 376th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and from July 2013 to January 2014, he served as a superintendent with the 407th Expeditionary Group in Jordan.“I am proud to join the outstanding

DeCA team,” Allison said. “I’m laser-focused on ensuring that

every military member understands that DeCA delivers a vital benefit that enhances quality of life and readiness.”He joined the Air Force in 1992 as

an inventory management specialist. Besides his deployments, his career has taken him to Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y.; Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; Fort Hood, Texas; Kimhae Air Base, South Korea; Sembach Air Base, Germany; Gunter Air Force Base, Ala.; Robins Air Force Base, Ga.; and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.Allison holds a Master of Business

Administration Allison holds a Master of Business Administration degree in military operations from Trident University, Cypress, Calif., and a Bachelor of Science in logistics management from Bellevue University, Bellevue, Neb.To see Allison’s complete

biography, go here.Stay connected with the latest news

about your commissary by checking out our page here.

Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison

T h e C o m m i s s a r y G e t s N e w S e n i o r

E n l i s t e d L e a d e r

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