corpsman anniversary — hn jose mc1(sw) terry...

Vol. 63 No. 24 Friday, June 16, 2006

Photo by MC1(SW) Terry Matlock

Photo by MC1(SW) Terry Matlock

Corpsman anniversary — HN JoseSerpa, CAPT James Thralls, U.S. NavalHospital Executive Officer, and HM2Blanche Jackson cut the birthday cakecommemorating the 108th anniversary of theU.S. Navy Hospital Corps at the WindjammerBallroom, June 10.

2 Friday, June 16, 2006

Vol. 63 No. 24GGGGGazeazeazeazeazetttttteteteteteGuantanamo Bay

Commanding Officer..................................................................................CAPT Mark M. LearyExecutive Officer..............................................................................................CDR Jeff HayhurstCommand Master Chief....................................................... ......CMDCM(SW/SS) Larry CairoPublic Affairs Officer...................................................................................Ms. Stacey ByingtonGazette Editor.........................................................................................................MC1 Igo WorduJournalist...................................................................................................MC2(AW) Honey NixonPhotographer..........................................................................................MC1(SW) Terry Matlock

The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for membersof the military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval StationGuantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the officialviews of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S.Navy, and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editorial content isprepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of U.S. NavalStation Guantanamo Bay. Questions or comments can be directed to thePAO. The Gazette staff can be reached by phone at ext. 4502; fax 4819;by email at [email protected]. Get the Gazette online atwww.nsgtmo.navy.mil.

The Defense Departmentreleased the names of the threedetainees Monday who com-mitted suicide June 10 at U.S.Naval Station Guantanamo Bay,Cuba.

The detainees, who werefound unresponsive in theircells just after midnight Satur-day, included a Yemeni withties to al Qaeda, a Saudi whohad been recommended fortransfer to another country, andanother Saudi who participatedin a prison uprising in Afghani-stan, military officials reported.

The three appear to havehanged themselves withnooses made of bed sheets andclothing, Navy Rear Adm.Harry B. Harris, Joint TaskForce Guantanamo com-mander, said at a June 10news conference. Harris saidhe believes the suicides werean act of “asymmetric war-fare” meant to advance alQaeda’s cause in the war onterror.

Ali Abdullah Ahmed, theYemeni, was a mid- to high-level al Qaeda operative withlinks to principal al Qaeda fa-cilitators and senior member-ship, according to informationreleased by DoD. Throughouthis time at Guantanamo Bay,Ahmed was noncompliant andhostile to the guard force, and

he was a long-term hungerstriker from late 2005 to May2006. Ahmed had been for-mally recommended for con-tinued detention in GuantanamoBay.

Mani Shaman Turki al-Habardi al-Utaybi, a Saudi, wasa member of Jama’at Tabligh,a militant recruitment group foral Qaeda and other jihadist ter-rorist groups, according to theDoD release. Jama’at Tablighhas been used by al Qaeda tocover travel throughout theworld and has been banned inSaudi Arabia since the 1980s.Utaybi had been recommendedfor transfer to another coun-try for continued detention inthat country.

Yassar Talal al-Zahrani, aSaudi, was an actual front linefighter for the Taliban who hadtraveled to Afghanistan to takeup arms against anti-Talibanforces, according to the re-lease. Zahrani facilitated weap-

ons purchases for Talibanoffensives against U.S. andcoalition forces. He was cap-tured by Afghan forces andparticipated in an Afghan prisonuprising in Mazar-e-Sharif, Af-ghanistan, that resulted in theNovember 2001 death of CIAofficer Johnny Michael Spann.

A cultural advisor is assist-ing Joint Task ForceGuantanamo to ensure that theremains are handled in an ap-propriate cultural and religiousmanner, Harris said. The bod-ies will not be buried within 24hours, as per normal Islamiclaw, because autopsies mustbe performed, he said, butJoint Task Force Guantanamohas a religious fatwah, or law,from a reputable imam allow-ing for delays when the causeof death is uncertain.

The U.S. Naval Criminal In-vestigative Service has initiatedan independent investigation todetermine the cause and man-ner of death, Craddock said.

The detainees appear to havehanged themselves withnooses made from clothing andbed sheets, Harris said. Thethree detainees’ cells were onthe same cell block and werenear each other, but not nextto each other, he said.

Harris said the joint suicideswere clearly planned by thedetainees as a way to advancetheir cause in the war on ter-ror.

“I believe this was not an actof desperation, but an act ofasymmetric warfare aimed atus here at Guantanamo,” hesaid. “We have men here whoare committed jihadists. Theyare dangerous men and theywill do anything they can toadvance their cause.”

The three detainees who diedhad all participated in a hungerstrike at one time, Harris said.The Yemeni detainee was along-term hunger striker whohad begun his strike in 2005 and

DoD identifies Guantanamo detainee suicidesBy Sgt. Sara Wood, American Forces Press Service

Continued on page 7

School's over! — Congratulations to theW.T. Sampson High School Class of 2006, whosegraduation took place at the base Chapel onFriday, June 9. Graduating seniors are: HeatherMcGarity, Nick Basel, Langston Edwards, JessicaBrewer, Heather Panaro, Aaron Carvajal, AlyssaRoper, Felecia Green and Faith Walker. Fairwinds and following seas to all.

Photo by MC1 Robert Lamb

3Friday, June 16, 2006

Cardboard Boat Regatta makes a big splash

Open Division teams race to the to the finish line during MWR's annual CardboatBoat Regatta June 10. Many youngsters also took part in the Youth Division race.

Story and photos by MC2(AW) Honey Nixon, Public Affairs

Team 'USNS Merciless,' dressed in scrubs to matchtheir theme, stayed in good spirits as they near thefinish line.

The air was thick with excite-ment as boat crews and specta-tors made their way to the shoreat MWR’s Sailing Center for theannual Cardboard Boat Regatta,June 10.

Most of Guantanamo Baywas well represented as numer-ous commands, departments andorganizations showed off their‘homemade’ vessels.

There were 29 entries, rang-ing from the extravagant, com-plete with glitter, to unpaintedcardboard with names written inmagic marker. But in the end, alleyes were on who reached theshore first.

The Child Development Cen-ter entry was the winner of theopen division. They kept theirvessel simple, propelling it withhuman propulsion (a person inthe back acting as a motor). Theynarrowly beat ‘USS Port Ser-vices,’ who finished second.

Materials used for the boats,although constrained by somerules, were only limited by theimagination of the teams. Someteams, however, still relied ontried and true materials.

“This is 100 percent card-board and duct tape,” laughedQMSR Jared Kinder, official‘captain’ of the ‘USS Port Ser-vices.’ “It took us two weeks tofinish the boat, and we didn’t takeon any water except for the forthe water balloons people werethrowing at us.”

“Calling strokes kept us inrhythm,” added BM2 GilbertPacheco, also on the Port Ser-vices team. “It really helped alot.”

Other teams suffered the op-posite fate, like ‘Shuttle Victory,’which broke apart and sunk not15-ft. from the shoreline.

“We had plenty of buoyancy,”said John Youberg, on the‘Shuttle Victory’ team. “The windtunnel test we did prior to thecompetition didn’t tell us the ex-

act truth. When we tested it, theair went over the wings just fine,but I guess our center of gravitywas a little too high.”

The fun of the competitionhelped teams take their losses instride.

“The team that won wasmore aerodynamic, and they alsohad human propulsion, whichwe considered doing,” saidYouberg, who is a three-yearveteran of the race. “I was a littledisappointed, but we’ve got big-ger plans for next year. AlthoughI won’t reveal our secrets, ‘big-ger is better’ will be the theme.”

Fortunately, reaching theshoreline wasn’t the only way totake home a trophy, as each boatcompeted in other categoriessuch as ‘best looking,’ ‘bestname,’ and even ‘best Titanicsinking.’

In the end, it didn’t matterwhether some boats went to awatery grave, or arrived victori-ous on the shoreline, most agreedit was all about the journey andthe fun everyone has.

“You can see, a lot of peoplecame out,” Youberg added, “andthis is so great for everyone’smorale, it just gets bigger andbigger every year.”

2006 Cardboard Boat RegattaYouth Division

1st: USS Maine - Brady Beddo2nd: USS Ugly - Remington and Ryan3rd: Crazy Noodle- Amy and Melissa Harriston

Open Division1st: 6-hour Job - Vet Clinic2nd: USS Port Services - Randall Brown3rd: CDC - Terrill Hill, Lloyd MarshallBest Name: Ringy Dingy - SCSIBest Theme: Victory Shuttle Adventure - John YoubergBest Looking: Finding Nemo - Maria FigueroaBest Titanic Sinking: USS Red Stripe - Debbie Montuon/JTFAchievement Award: The DeGroff family



By MC1 Bob Lamb, Public Affairs Office

Unsecured objects around the yard can becomemissile hazards during hurricane season.

Make hurricane preparedness a top prioritySince the first day of Hurri-

cane season, which began June1, the station has seen an in-crease of rain and wind here atGuantanamo Bay. Memories oflast year’s hurricane devasta-tion along the Gulf Coast andFlorida should still be oneveryone’s minds, and becauseof that, we should all be pre-pared for the upcoming season.

Numerous days of highwinds and rain can turn quicklyinto a hurricane or tropicalstorm in and around GTMO.But what if a base resident isnot at home when a hurricaneapproaches? What if someoneis on vacation when the windspick up? Who will take the timeto clean up around their yardand home when the station goesto Readiness Condition II?

These are questions thatneed to be answered before abase resident is sitting on abeach in Malibu, Calif. andreads about Hurricane Ernestoforming just off the southerncoast of Cuba.

Because of the geographicalarea where GTMO is located,hurricanes may form veryquickly. Hurricanes seem toform in the Caribbean at amoment’s notice, and some-times outside the scheduledJune 1 - November 30timeframe.

During Readiness ConditionII all residents are required toremove outdoor furniture,trashcans and other moveableobjects from their yard.

Housing director, RudySammons said, “During thehurricane season, residentsshould leave their yards in hur-ricane-ready condition. “If forsome reason they are unable todo that, their house-sitter or theperson looking after their homeduring their absence is requiredto accomplish whatever needsto be done if a storm threat-

ens.”Many items in a resident’s

yard can become missile haz-ards, and can be thrown longdistances during even minor in-creases in wind. Securingtoys, patio furniture, plant hold-ers and even birdbaths cansave neighbors windows frombeing broken, or avoidsomeone’s car being damaged.

Any debris should be appro-priately discarded from arounda home.

Sammons also emphasizesthat upon notification on an ap-proaching storm, the housingoffice is extremely busy withhurricane preparations in com-mon areas (securing picnictables, trash receptacles, etc.),and making office and personalpreparations as well.

“We drive through housing

areas to ensure residential itemsare secure. If we find a hous-ing unit that needs attention, wecontact the resident to performthe preparations,” saidSammons. “If we have re-ceived notification that a fam-ily is off-island, we contact thehouse- sitter or overseer. If thefamily did not provide thehousing office with notificationof their vacation, we will con-tact the sponsor’s commandfor assistance.”

Base residents are also ad-vised to straighten up their ga-rage areas as well.

According to the NationalWeather Service, approxi-mately 80 percent of residen-tial hurricane wind damagestarts with wind entry throughgarage doors.

Any resident who plans ongoing on vacation and is leav-ing their home for any lengthof time should to contact theHousing Office.

“Per the Naval Station Fam-ily Housing Handbook, resi-dents should notify the Hous-ing Office if they’re gone formore than 72 hours, saidSammons. “However, I recom-mend they notify the HousingOffice if they will be off-islandfor any period of time.”

Although a hurricane cancause significant damage, per-sonnel can prepare their homewith a little effort, and can helptheir neighbors as well. Theycan then rest a little easier whenthe storm does hit and theirneighbors will too.

All residents should know ifthey reside in a hurricane-re-sistant home or not. Anyoneliving in Paola Point, RadioPoint, Deer Point, MarinaPoint, Hibiscus Hollow, RadioRange, Tierra Kay or MarineSite, is designated a shelterwere they need to stay until thehurricane has passed.

Anyone who has made ar-rangements to stay with some-one else who resides in hurri-cane-resistant housing mustcomplete a Hurricane Reloca-tion Memorandum, and notifythe Housing Office where theywill be staying when they areinstructed to evacuate yourresidence.

“The form is available at theFamily Housing Welcome Cen-ter front desk. We’re trying toget it loaded on the intranet un-der Housing Department,” saysSammons.

Once the form is completed,it can be returned to the Hous-ing office either in person, fax(4981) or via e-mail at [email protected].

Every year the station Pub-lic Affairs Office publishes ahurricane supplement to the‘Gazette’ that contains pertinentinformation about availableshelters, necessary hurricanesupplies, and station readinessconditions. This year’s publi-cation was printed May 19, andis available at several locationson station.

It is also available online atwww.nsgtmo.navy.mil/htmpgs/gazetteonline.htm, or on theNaval Station intranet homepage.

“Per the Naval StationFamily Housing Hand-book, residents shouldnotify the HousingOffice if they’re gonefor more than 72hours. I recommendthey tell us if they willbe off-island for anyperiod of time.”

Rudy SammonsHousing Dircetor


Burns, Roe and Dick Corporation (BRDC) workerscarry sandbags in order to shore-up the improved seawall at Windmill Beach.

Story and photo by MC1 Robert Lamb

Windmill Beach gets needed repairsafter last year's hurricane damage

Significant storm surgesfrom Hurricane Dennis dam-aged structures and litteredbeaches along the GuantanamoBay coast last July. One of thosebeaches was Windmill Beachwhich was covered by stormsurge up to 14 feet.

Because of the damage,Windmill Beach was closed forquite some time, while person-nel from the Public Works Dept.removed logs and bouldersfrom cabana areas and sur-veyed the damage.

Although parts of WindmillBeach are now open, repairs arestill underway almost one yearlater. The repair contract wasawarded to Burns and Roe andDick Corporation (BRDC) withResident Officer in Charge ofConstruction (ROICC) respon-sible for overseeing the comple-tion of the job.

The contact, which has re-quired a number of modifica-tions throughout the scope ofthe work, called for repairingcabanas, roadways, guardrailsand even dredging the swim-ming area to increase the depthof the water. One of the mostimportant aspects of the con-tract involved repairing the seawall that protects the cabanasfrom high seas. A portion ofthe sloping concrete sea wallhad been demolished and willbe replaced with a new 8" thickconcrete wall near cabanas threeand four.

“The biggest challenge witha job like this, is working nearwater,” said ENS JosephWignarajah, Asst. ROICC. “Itcreates safety and quality con-trol issues that you don’t see innormal construction. One ma-jor difference is that we haveto use marine-grade concrete.Also, an additional challengewith this project is placing the

concrete on a slope.”Representatives with the

Army Corps of Engineers alsohad a hand in the repairs, offer-ing BRDC and ROICC adviseon how to assess the damage,and make repairs to the dam-aged sea wall.

“They took a look at theproject and made informal rec-ommendations to us and BRDC,which we took into consider-ation,” Wignarajah added.

Existing water service tomost of the cabanas has beenrestored, and damaged waterlines to cabanas No. 1, No. 2and No. 3, are being re-routedto a new location. Damagedasphalt and concrete roadwaysaround the north area of Wind-mill Beach were repaired with

reinforced concrete. The costof the demolition and removalof the storm debris and repairof Windmill Beach has been es-timated at more than $190,000.Final completion of the projectis scheduled for the end of thesummer.

BRDC Contractor, LarryCasper, who has been workingon the station since the originalsea wall was built, and said hebelieves the new improvementswill hold up.

“The new sea wall, designedby BRDC, will be even stron-ger than the original one that isin place at this time,” saidCasper. “It had been around foras long as I have, about 25years.”

OmbudsmanCorner

Cheryl CrouseNAVSTA Ombudsman

Local LiaisonPhone - 75860

Pager - [email protected]

Senora (Sunni) MaloneNAVSTA Ombudsman

Phone - 77957Pager - 4084-2390

[email protected]

Tanya WardNAVSTA Ombudsman

State-side [email protected]

Amy ThomasonNavy Provisional Guard

Phone - 7599Pager - 4447-2394

[email protected] or

[email protected]

Kathy DiazUSNH Ombudsman

Phone - 7379Pager - 72090, #[email protected]

Jennifer AmaioUSNH Ombudsman

Phone - 7379Pager - 72090, #493jennifer.k.amaio@

There will be a Mind-BodyConnection seminar on man-aging stress featuring Dr.Christopher Streeter at the Na-val Hospital Galley, June 29 at6:30 p.m.

Refreshments and coffee will be provided. NoRSVP required. FMI call 72650.

Stress Management Seminar


Photo by MC1 Igo WorduThis hallway in the Leeward Air terminal is linedwith vintage model airplanes and pictures of GTMO.

Port Services plays a vital role at GTMOBy MC1 Igo Wordu, Public Affairs Office

Photo by MC1 Igo Wordu

Anyone who has been to thenewly refurbished Leeward AirTerminal appreciates the level ofimprovements made to that fa-cility. Many people, however,are unaware of the large part thatpersonnel working for the Na-val Station Guantanamo BayPort Services Departmentplayed in the project.

Port Services personnel as-sisted in the multi-million dollarproject by installing more than1,000 feet of wood molding and2,800 sq. Ft. of floor tiles aroundthe terminal. Additionally, withfinancial support from terminalmanagement and Air Operations,Port Services acquired the nu-merous miniature military planesand historical photographs thatare being used to decorate hall-ways in the terminal.

That is only a snippet of nu-merous responsibilities Port Ser-vices personnel perform aroundthe base. With a $2 million bud-get, the department manages thebase harbor. They are respon-sible for the repair and mainte-nance of 42 watercraft, valuedat more than $23 million dollars.Additionally they safely trans-port more than 10,000 person-nel and 5,000 vehicles to andfrom Leeward every month.

Port Services Leading ChiefPetty Officer, BMC(SW)

Tommy Lowery, said much ofthe credit goes to the dedicationof the junior Sailors who put inlong hours in order to get nu-merous projects completed.

“Several times, my Sailorswork way beyond normal work-ing hours, and many times theyare at work before most peopleare waking up,” Lowery said.

He added that his dependablechain of command provides thenecessary tools the Sailors needto perform their jobs.

BM1(SW) Dexter Williamsechoed the same praises abouthis junior Sailors and the leader-ship as well.

“Our Sailors, I must say,were dedicated to this projectand every other project we do,”

he said. “What you see at theterminal is a testament to theirhard work, attention to detail,and the spirit they have to workas a team.”

For a small department withonly 12 Sailors, Port Servicesplays a major role at GTMO andfor the entire Navy. They assistthe Joint Task Force (JFT) dur-ing detainee movements in di-rect support of Operation En-during Freedom. They assistWeapons Department personnelwith the placement of gunfire

and mortar targets, directly sup-porting personnel in maintainingtheir weapons firing proficiencyand capability to defend sea De-fensive areas. Port Services alsoprovides logistic support to U.S.Coast Guard and Navy vesselsin support of counter-drug andmigrant operations.

Other projects Port Servicesas been involved in includebuilding the platform at PhillipsPark where JTF held theirchange of command earlier thisyear, and renovation projects forthe Northeast Gate conferenceroom. They also assisted theResident Officer of Construc-tion with creating a valuable wa-terway plan to facilitate repairsto the bridge on the GuantanamoRiver.

"Our department continues toaccomplish missions and taskswith high degree of efficiencybecause of our young Sailors,"said Lowery. "Ouraccomplisements are a reflec-tion of excellent leadership andvision of our department head,CDR Donald Smith."

BM2 Randall Brown performs routine maintenanceon the CO/VIP ladder at Bulkeley Landing.

High school awards — NAVSTA Com-manding Officer, CAPT Mark Leary, presentsAnna Massengill with a shadow box in recogni-tion of her 29 years of teaching with DoDDS .


Capt. Robert Messick, Marine Corps Security ForceCo. Executive Officer, talks to enthusiasticresidents about the events that took place duringthe Battle of Cuzco Well. The annual tour was heldon June 11, marking the 108th anniversary of thebattle on June 14, 1898.


just ended it last month, he said.The other two detainees par-ticipated in one hunger strikein 2005 and another short onethis year, he said.

The three detainees were notcharged under military com-missions and were not beingactively interrogated, Harrissaid.

None of the three detaineeshad attempted suicide before,Harris said. Craddock addedthat all three had gone throughcombatant status reviewboards and administrative re-view boards, and none were on

medication or had any indica-tion of mental illness.

Harris said he believes thedetainees were acting on a ru-mor circulating in the campsat Guantanamo that says threedetainees must die for all thedetainees to be released. Thisrumor has no basis and is notencouraged by the guard force,he said.

The suicides are not thoughtto be linked to the June 8 deathof terrorist leader Abu Musabal Zarqawi, Harris said, be-cause the detainees atGuantanamo do not yet know

DOD identifies detainees who committed suicide ...Continued from page 2

Marines host tour of the Battle of Cuzco Well

Residents head to the top of Quick Hill. A monumentthere recognizes the bravery of Sgt. John Quick andPvt. John Fitzgerald who were awarded the Medal ofHonor. A close-up of the plaque is below.

Photos by MC1 Igo Wordu

of his death.All three detainees left sui-

cide notes in Arabic, which arebeing included in the investiga-tion, Craddock said.

The servicemembers atGuantanamo Bay are dedicatedand, together with Joint TaskForce Guantanamo leaders,have worked hard to ensure theconditions don’t exist to allowfor suicides, Harris said. How-ever, the enemy combatants atGuantanamo are a determinedgroup that will do anything theycan to advance their cause, hesaid.

“These are dangerous men,and they’re not here by acci-dent or happenstance,” he said.

Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo leaders are already re-viewing procedures to look forways to ensure things like thiswon’t happen in the future,Harris said. For example, theguards have begun taking bedsheets away from detainees inthe morning and giving themback at night, he said.

“We remain focused on ourmission; it’s a vital mission inthe global war on terror,” hesaid.

The Marines who foughtin the Battle for CuzcoWell were part of a largerbattalion who establishedan encampment at what isnow McCalla Hill. Themonument there is dedi-cated to the first Marineskilled at Guantanmo Bay.


A year-long review of totalmilitary compensation couldeventually result in streamlinedallowances and a fundamentalshift in thinking on how theuniformed services pay mem-bers and retirees.

The war on terrorism “fo-cuses our efforts in ensuringwe do the right things by thefolks we are deploying,” retiredAir Force Brig. Gen. Jan D.“Denny” Eakle said in an inter-view May 24.

Eakle heads the 10th Qua-drennial Review of MilitaryCompensation, which got un-der way April 1. This reviewwill focus on five main areas:

Ensuring the compensationsystem supports an adequatesupply of military personnelwith the abilities and experienceto meet national security objec-tives; maintaining quality of lifefor military personnel and theirfamilies; re-evaluating specialand incentive pays to enhanceservice flexibility; assessing theneed for more flexible recruit-ing and retention authorities;and reviewing the retirementsystem.

One of the most dramatic is-sues being looked at has to dowith how the department fig-ures active versus retired pay.

"Today we have a compen-sation system that provides anawful lot of deferred compen-sation to those who haveserved, those who are retir-ees,” Eakle said.

She noted that employees are“vested” in their retirement pro-grams at five years in most ci-vilian corporations. However,military retirees generally mustserve 20 years before being eli-gible for any percentage of re-tired pay.

"The balance between thedeferred compensation and thecurrent compensation, thecompensation being paid to

those who are currently inplaces in harm’s way, is verydifferent than you would seein other compensation sys-tems,” Eakle said. “I believethat the war on terror has fo-cused our efforts on makingsure that we are taking care oftoday’s servicemen andwomen.”

The recently concluded De-fense Advisory Committee onMilitary Compensation recom-mended in February that mem-bers be vested at 10 rather than20 years and that retirementpayments be graduated rang-ing from 25 percent of basepay at 10 years to 100 percentof base pay at 40 years. Thegroup also recommended thatthe government contribute 5 to10 percent of base pay to mili-tary members’ Thrift SavingsPlans, as is the case for fed-eral civilians.

This committee’s recom-mendations serve as a startingpoint for the quadrennial re-view. Eakle explained that thepurpose of her review is nowto take these recommendationsand look at their implicationson the ability of the services torecruit and retain personnel andto further develop them to en-able them to be effective forthe services.

She said any recommenda-tions would be implemented“several years” in the future

because it would take time towork out details and, in somecases, legislation would need tobe changed.

"No current retiree or cur-rent military member would beaffected by the changes wemay recommend,” she said.“But you could end up with asystem where there would beless in the retired pay becausewe would bring it forward andpay it to the individual whilethey are serving.”

She also said any such shiftaway from deferred compen-sation would be accompaniedby initiatives to better educateservice members on financialplanning for retirement.

Another change that wouldcome out of the quadrennialreview is simplifying the vastand confusing system of spe-cial pays and allowances mili-tary members are entitled tounder various circumstances.Eakle said this system of morethan 60 different pays and al-lowances accounts for nomore than 5 percent of totalcompensation but are labor-in-tensive to manage and track.It also makes it difficult forservicemembers to effectivelymonitor that they are receivingcorrect pay and allowances.

"If we make them simpler,we will reduce the manage-ment requirements for watch-

ing so many pays...and themember would have a betterunderstanding of what they areentitled to,” she said.

The quadrennial reviewtakes into account unique re-cruiting and retention chal-lenges for each of the sevenuniformed services. In additionto Defense Department servicebranches, the review’s recom-mendations will apply to theCoast Guard, in the Depart-ment of Homeland Security;the commissioned corps of theNational Oceanic and Atmo-spheric Administration, in theDepartment of Commerce; andthe commissioned corps of thePublic Health Service, in theDepartment of Health and Hu-man Services.

"The pay regulations that ap-ply to the Department of De-fense and the Coast Guard ap-ply to those two services aswell,” Eakle said.

The ninth Quadrennial Re-view of Military Compensa-tion, completed in 2002, rec-ognized that the modern forceis more educated than in thepast and that current paydoesn’t include a premiumhigh enough to retain this moreeducated force. A large payraise targeted toward mid-grade enlisted members andjunior officers came about be-cause of this realization.

Committee reviews military compensationBy Kathleen T. Rhem, American Forces Press Service

The American Red Cross is looking for people tovolunteer for fundraising and marketing.

100 percent of the funds raised on the station isutilized to support the programs for the Guantan-amo Bay Community.

Interested volunteers should contact Denise Clarkat 5060.

American Red Cross needs you!


Worship ServicesCatholic

Catholic Mass (Main Chapel)Tuesday-Friday, noonDaily Mass (Cobre Chapel)Confession, Saturday, 4 p.m.Vigil Mass, 5 p.m.Sunday Mass, 9 a.m. (Cobre Chapel)Eucharistic Adoration, daily 24 hrs.

ProtestantSundaySunday School, 9:30 a.m.Sunday Services, Main Chapel, 11 a.m.Children’s Sunday School, 11:30 a.m.Gospel Worship Service, 1 p.m.MondayPrayer Group, 6 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)WednesdayMen’s Fellowship, 6:30 p.m.(Fellowship Hall)Gospel Bible Study, 7:30 p.m.(Sanctuary A)ThursdayPWOC - 6:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)Sunday, Protestant Liturgical Service,10 a.m. (Sanctuary B)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

(Sanctuary A)Monday, Family Home Evening, 7p.m. (rm. 8)Sunday Sacrament, 9 a.m.

Filipino Christian Fellowship(Sanctuary A)

Sunday Worship, 7 p.m.

Iglesia Ni Cristo (Sanctuary B)Bible Study, Thursday, 7 p.m.Sunday Worship, 5:30 a.m.

Pentecostal Gospel Temple(Sanctuary D)

Sunday Worship, 8 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Seventh Day Adventist (Sanctuary B)Prayer Meeting, Tuesday, 7 p.m.Vesper Meeting, Friday, 7 p.m.Sabbath School, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.Divine Service, Saturday, 11 a.m.Bible Study, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Islamic Service (Sanctuary C)Friday Worship, 1:15 p.m.

United Jamaican Fellowship(Bldg. 1036, next to Phoenix Cable)

Sunday Service, 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat ServiceSecond Friday of the month, Rm. 11,7:30p.m.

Scuba diving regulationsIn accordance with COMNAVBASEGTMOINST

1711.1, all scuba divers shall adhere to the "buddy sys-tem" and shall remain in visual contact with each otherat all times.

Scuba diving is permitted in all areas except the In-dustrial Area, Deer Point, Saint Nicholas Channel,Mohomilla Bay, east of Windmill Beach to Kittery Beach,Guanatanamo River and Cuzco Wildlife Preserve.

The Seaman to Admiral(STA-21) commissioning pro-gram, which provides a path-way for qualified Sailors to re-ceive college educations andNavy commissions, is solicit-ing applications for fiscal year2007.

Deadline for applications isJuly 15, 2006. The selectionboard will meet during Septem-ber 2006, and the names of se-lectees will be announced viamessage traffic in October2006.

“STA-21 is a full-time un-dergraduate education andcommissioning program opento enlisted personnel of allpaygrades and ratings whomeet eligibility requirements,”said Cmdr. Cathy L.W. Kempf,head of Selection and Place-ment for Naval Service Train-ing Command, Officer Devel-opment.

STA-21 is designed to im-prove support for Sailors inter-ested in earning a baccalaure-ate degree and a commissionas a naval officer. Selectees areauthorized a maximum 36months of full-time, year-round study to complete a bac-calaureate degree, however,preferential consideration willbe given to those applicants re-quiring 24 months or less offull time study.

Participants in the STA-21program remain on active dutywhile attending college and ben-efit from an education vouchervalued at up to $10,000 per

year to cover tuition, fees andbook costs. STA-21 partici-pants will become members ofand drill with a local NROTCunit. Upon graduation, STA-21participants will be commis-sioned as ensigns and return toactive duty in the fleet.

In addition to the $10,000per year voucher, Sailors re-ceive their basic pay and basicallowance for housing and areeligible for advancement, andmany will be eligible for fleethousing units, as well.

Candidates may apply for ei-ther the STA-21 Core Optionor the STA-21 Target Optionprograms. The STA-21 CoreOption allows officer commu-nity assignment to an unre-stricted line designator duringthe final year of college basedon the needs of the Navy, indi-vidual qualifications, aptitude,experience and preferences.

A limited number of STA-21Target Option billets are avail-able for those interested in join-ing the following communitiesupon entry to STA-21: Nuclear(Surface or Submarine), Avia-tion (Pilot), Aviation (NavalFlight Officer (NFO)), SurfaceWarfare (SWO), Special Op-erations (SPECOPS), SpecialWarfare (SPECWAR), NurseCorps (NC), Supply Corps(SC), Special Duty Officer (In-telligence), Special Duty Of-ficer (Information Warfare),and Civil Engineer Corps(CEC). Those not selected forthese Target Options will, ifdesired, be considered for the

STA-21 Core Option. With theexception of Special Warfareand Submarine options, STA-21 designators are open to bothgenders.

All STA-21 officer candi-dates will attend the Naval Sci-ence Institute (NSI) course atOfficer Training Command,Newport, R.I., prior to begin-ning college studies at anNROTC-affiliated college oruniversity. NSI is an eight-week course of intense officerpreparation and indoctrination.Course enrollment is timed toallow college entrance duringfall, spring or summer semes-ters/quarters.

A limited number of select-ees will be chosen to attend athree-month individualized pro-gram of study at BOOST(Broadened Opportunity forOfficer Selection and Training)School in Newport to assist inthe transition to college. Fol-lowing completion of BOOST,selectees will attend NSI enroute to their university assign-ment. Program coordinatorsstress that age requirements aresignificantly different this year.

For a complete list of re-quirements and more informa-tion on STA-21, see OPNAV-INST 1420.1A, NAVADMIN161/06, or visit the STA-21Web site at https://www.sta21.navy.mil.

Sailors should consult withtheir command career counse-lor and chain of command forsubmission requirements andrecommendations.

By MCC Bruce Moody, Naval Service Training Command Public AffairsSeaman to Admiral Program accepting applications

Birth Announcement Michele and GaryPalmer announce thebirth of their son,Ethan Michael Palmeron May 30.

Friday, June 16, 200610

MWRHappenings

DoDoDoDoDowntowntowntowntowntown Lwn Lwn Lwn Lwn LyyyyyceumceumceumceumceumFriday, June 16Cars8 p.m., G, 116 min.

The Sentinel10 p.m., PG-13, 108 min.

Saturday, June 17American Dreamz8 p.m., PG-13, 107 min.

Thank You for Smoking10 p.m., R, 92

Sunday, June 18X-Men: The Last Stand8 p.m., PG-13, 107 min.

Monday, June 19CARS8 p.m., G, 116 min.

Tuesday, June 20The Sentinel8 p.m., PG-13, 108 min.

Wednesday, June 21American Dreamz8 p.m., PG-13, 107 min.

Thursday, June 22Thank You For Smoking10 p.m., R, 92 min.

CarsKids/Family, Animation, ComedyCast: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman,Bonnie Hunt, Richard Petty,Cheech MarinStoryline: Lightning McQueen, ahotshot rookie race car driven tosucceed, discovers that life isabout the journey, not the finishline, when he finds himselfunexpectedly detoured in thesleepy Route 66 town of RadiatorSprings.

The SentinelDrama, Thriller, AdaptationCast: Michael Douglas, KieferSutherland, Kim Basinger, EvaLongoria, Paul CalderonStoryline: Pete Garrison is a U.S.Secret Service agent who saveda president’s life by jumping infront of a hail of bullets, morethan 20 years ago. Well-likedand respected by his colleagues,Garrison is a career agent whonow heads the First Lady’sdetail. He lives in a high-level,orderly world of hierarchicalstructure, plans, maps, motor-cades, code names, lingo andprocedures. It’s a universe thatmakes sense, until secrets beginto tear it apart.

Windjammer Dinner TheaterMonday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m. Bring thefamily to the Windjammer Club to enjoy din-ner and then watch family oriented G- orPG-rated movies. This Monday, “Ice Age 2:The Meltdown,” begins at 5:30 p.m., andthe second movie, “Big Momma's House 2,”begins at 8 p.m.

Summer Camp Parent's MeetingJune 16, or June 23, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. atthe Youth Center. If your child plans on at-tending camp, you must attend one of thesemeetings. FMI call 74658.

Advanced PotteryJune 17-18, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. This class is todemonstrate basic techniques of bowl turn-ing, and using the extruder. Register at theCeramic Shop in Bldg. AV 81. The fee is$50 per student. Students will receive clayand glazes needed for class. FMI call Scottat 4795.

Liberty Glow Golf TournamentJune 23, 7:45 p.m. check-in begins at thegolf course. Shotgun starts at 8:15 p.m.Two-man teams with best ball format.Carts and clubs provided. Registration isrequired. FMI call 2010.

Men's Health 5K RunJune 24, 6 a.m. Run begins and ends at basegym. Register by June 23 at the gym. Opento both men and women. FMI call 2193 or72102.

MWR Scavenger Hunt RaceJuly 4, 9 p.m., race begins at Deer PointLiberty Center. No more than five peopleper team. Sign-up at Deer Point Liberty Cen-ter. Prizes will be awarded for first and sec-ond place. Open to all military and DoD per-sonnel. FMI call Julie or Aril at 2010.

Summer Reading ProgramJuly 1-30 at the Community Library. A reg-istration gala kicks off the program June 30,3-6 p.m. at the Library. There will be free t-shirts, prizes, rock-wall, bouncers, bever-ages, and food provided. FMI call Maxineat 4700.


GTMO ShopperGTMO ShopperGTMO ShopperGTMO ShopperGTMO ShopperFor Sale

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Vehicles/Boats

$3 each; tomato tree potted, $3each; potted serrrano chili pepperplants, $2 each. FMI call Margaretat 77614.

(2) 2001 G-XR Suzuki 1000motorcycle, low miles, custompaint, chrome rims and accents,many custom parts. FMI call Toddat 77871 or 79556.(2) 1990 Toyota Corolla, white,automatic, 4-door, CD player, A/C, new tires, $3,500 OBO. FMI callRick at 75798 AWH.(2) 1999 Nissan Pathfinder LW,automatic, A/C, CD, leatherinterior, low miles, $8,500. FMIcall John at 79466 AWH.(2) 2001 Chrysler Town andCountry minivan, loaded, $12,800OBO. FMI call 772293 or 77390AWH.(2) 1991 Harley Davidson FXSTCsoftail, custom, green and silver,$7,500. FMI call 4004 DWH or79545 AWH.(2) 14-ft. v-hulled boat w/9.9Johnson motor, $450. FMI callAnthony at 75646 or 4553.(1) 1994 Mazda B-3000, A/C, airsuspension, new parts, runsgreat, $4,500. FMI call Sonny at77841 or Carol at 74333 DWH.(1) 2001 PT Cruiser, A/C, extras,runs great, $11,000. FMI callSonny at 77841 or Carol at 74333DWH.(1) 1986 Ford Escort w/hatchback,$1,500 OBO. FMI call 77365.(1) 2001 Chevy Cavalier, 5-spd,$7,000 OBO. FMI call 4503 DWHor 79551 AWH.(1) 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee,excellent condition, AC,moonroof, $23,000. FMI call Bobat 75732 or 84234.(1) 16.5-ft. MFG boat, new paint,new 100-hp motor, lots of extras,$2,500 OBO. FMI call 77466.

(2) Human Resources Officeannounces the followingvacancies: Medical Clerk, closesJune 16; Auto Medical RecordsAdministrator, closes June 16;Transportation Asst., closes June23; Social Services Aide, closesDec. 29. FMI call 4441.(1) The Navy Exchange has thefollowing job vacancies: SalesClerk, closes June 23; LossPrevention Investigator, open

(2) Lawnmower, 21-in. w/extrablade, runs well, $30. FMI callNorm at 77448.(2) Ashley 5-piece black diningset w/glass top. FMI call 77570.(2) Beyond Micro 3.5 externalhard drive, 300 GB. $250. FMI callOmar at 2153 or 2447.(2) Black futon w/wooden frame,$60. FMI call Emil at 78111.(2) Sony Play Station PSP,portable, brand new, 2 games,$200; 2 authentic Coach purses,great condition, $125 each OBO.FMI call 75512.(2) Sidi motorcycle riding boots,red and black, SZ 12.5, $200; IconField Amor riding boots, brandnew, SZ 11.5, $95. FMI call Toddat 77871 or 79556.(2) Trek women's mountain bikew/helmet, $45; Perception 13-ft.kayak w/rudder, paddle, andlifejacket, $900; Old Town 11-ftkayak w/paddle and lifejacket,$650; 7th Edition Psychologybook, $50. FMI call 77909.(2) HP Photosmart 7350 printer,$40; Playstation 2 w/2 controllersand 2 extensions, $50; Playstation2 games. FMI call 77465.(2) 27-in. Hitachi TV, $140; 20-in.Sylvania TV flat-screen TV, $80;Compaq Pentium III, 15-in. flatscreen monitor, HP Photosmart7350 printer, $450; entertainmentcenter, $40; carpets, $25 eachOBO; VCR Panasonic, $20;Goldstar microwave, $40. FMI call77303.(1) Paintball gun, 2006 Ion w/upgrades, $500 OBO. FMI call79585.(1) Tan and brown sofa w/loveseat, good condition, $100;burgundy recliner, $75; woodencoffee table w/end tables, $75;entertainment center, $50;computer desk, $30. FMI call Carolor Sonny at 77841.(1) Patio table w/chairs, seats 10,like new, $200. FMI call 75892.(1) Livewell w/battery and bilgepump, handmade, $80. FMI callJaron at 2345 DWH or 79448AWH.(1) Washer and dryer, $250; 6-drawer dresser, $50; 2 end tables,$20; futon, $50; entertainmentcenter, $50; gas grill, $30. FMI call2465.(1) Cherry tomato potted plants,

until filled. FMI call 5041.(1) Navy Federal Credit Union isseeking a part-time MemberService Representative, flexibleschedule, 30-50 hours per week.FMI call Kim Veditz or BrandyThirumalai at 74333.

(2) The 108th PhilippineIndependence Day Celebrationwill now be held from 5:30 - 10p.m., June 17 at the WindjammerBallroom. There will be food, acultural show and crowning ofthe Ms. PhilippineIndependence. Tickets areavailable now. FMI call Cathy at75737.(2) Effective June 15 until Sept. 1,the Youth Center Open Registra-tion Program's weekend hoursare: close 5:30 p.m. on Fridays,and open from 7 p.m. to midnighton Saturdays.(2) Vacation Bible School 2006registration ends June 16.Children may register at theNAVSTA Chaplain's office. Noregistration can be done byphone. Vacation Bible Schoolruns June 19 - 23, 9 a.m.- noon atthe NAVSTA Chapel. Ages 4-11are welcome. Volunteers are stillneeded. FMI call 2323.(2) The Hispanic AmericanHeritage Association is seekingnew members. Everyone iswelcome. Meetings are held atthe Media Center everyWednesday at 6:15 p.m. FMI callScott at 77820.(2) MWR now has Motorcyclelifts for up to 1,500-pds. FMI call77941.(1) The JIDC will be having a bakesale and car wash on June 17 at9:30 a.m. FMI call 74658.(1) All's well that ends well. AsI leave GTMO, I'd like to thank myfriends and colleagues who haveshared a desire for academicexcellence, a barrel of laughs,and a tolerance for myeccentricities. To the students ofW.T. Sampson: Go Pirates!.Beware of the shadow that fliesacross the moon. It might be theWicked Witch coming to checkyour school work. I love you all.Thanks to the entire communityfor your support of the 'ThePirates Helping Pirates' project,and most especially to the 40

women who donated ball gownsto the girls of Pass Christian. Tothe Cuban, Jamaican, and Filipinoworkers who have made my stayhere so pleasant, I will never forgetyour help, and your wonderfulsmiles. I am now off onWalkabout. Have a wonderful life.Anna Massengill.(1) Navy Federal Credit Unionwould like to congratulate KimBrown for winning the portableDVD player during theirmembership drive.(1) The Teen Center's SummerCamp hours are: Monday -Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday,11 a.m.- midnight; and Saturday,1 p.m.- midnight. FMI call 2096.(1) The Teen Photography Campwill run June 19 -23. FMI call 2096.

(2) Will pay cash for fishing/pontoon boat. FMI call Mike at77977 or 2129.(2) Looking for folks that want towakeboard. FMI call Garry at 78197or 84581.(2) Dog sitter needed, retrieverneeds a summer home. He is housebroken, kenneled trained, andloves people. FMI call 75899AWH.

(1) IPOD found. Please call withdescription. FMI call Nick 77614AWH.(1) Keys lost w/Virginia Beachprinted on a blue strap. FMI callKen at 90180 or 5195.

June 17 — Caribbean Circle, #3A,7 a.m. - 10 a.m.June 17 — Villamar, #14CJune 18 — Nob Hill, #30A, 8 a.m.June 18 — Nob Hill, #10A, 8:30a.m.June 18 — Marine Site, #124M, 8a.m. - 10 a.m.

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Editor's note: GTMOShopper inputs must besubmitted no later than noonon Tuesday. Submit inwriting by email to [email protected] email addresses canno longer be included in'Shopper' ads.


A little something before they go

Scholarship — Beth Gracia presents HeatherMcGarity with a scholarship from the Officers andCivilians Spouses' Club. She also received theCaptain's Award from NAVSTA Commandingofficer, CAPT Mark Leary.

Top Honors —Students having the highest GPAwere: Kevin Banks, Hayden Kemp, Cory Frye, MorganKeener, Edwin Stearns and Stephanie Tickner.

Salutatorian — Heather Panaro is congratula-ted by W.T. Sampson principal, Frank Simone, aftershe received the award for being the top femalegraduate in her class. Heather also received ascholarship from the Officers and Civilians Spouses'Club.

Valedictorian — HMC(AW/SW) Matthew Bergpresents Nick Basel with a scholarship from theChief Petty Officers' Associatiion. He also received ascholarship from the Officers and Civilains Spouses'Club, W.T. Sampson Booster Club and the Profes-sional Nurses' Association.

Good Luck — Langston Edwards receives ascholarship from MA1 Regina Tyson, President ofthe W.T. Sampson Booster Club.

Photos by MC1 Robert Lamb

corpsman anniversary — hn jose mc1(sw) terry...

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