in the line of fire - united states navy ngyuen phi hung, director of the village of hope...

In the Line of Fire

[Number 1051]

[Features]

Photo by JO1(SW) M. J. Darby

Photo by JO1(SW) M. J. Darby

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S

[Departments]Speaking with Sailors — 6

Focus on Service — 40

Eye on the Fleet — 42

Eye on History — 46

The Final Word — 48

22 DestinationJapan

Many Sailors taking orders to Japan may feel dazed and confused in such anenvironment. As a result, Sailors sometimes restrict themselves to the safe confines of the base, never realizing the real reason for taking orders to Japanis found off the ships and beyond the base’s gates.P h o t o b y P H 3 T o d d F r a n t o m

14 In the Line of FireDecommissioned more than 40 years ago, ex-USS Shadwell

(LSD 15) continues to serve the fleet as a naval research laboratory dedicated to the study of shipboard fire.

32 A Home for HeroesMonthly contributions from today’s enlisted service members help provide a home for yesterday’s heroes.

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[On the Front Cover]Kiyoshi Watanabe, a tailor whose shop isacross the street from the main gate ofYokosuka Naval Base, Japan, has beensewing on patches and hemming uniformsfor U.S. Sailors since the end of World War II.P h o t o b y P H 3 T o d d F r a n t o m

[Next Month]The Navy’s Exceptional Family MemberProgram got a boost when parents inEverett, Wash., put their heads together toimprove quality of life for their exceptionalfamily members. All Hands also followsCTI2 Casey Tibbs as he prepares for theParalympic competition in Athens where hewill look to bring home gold in the 400-meter, 4x400-meter relay and the pen-tathlon track and field events.

2 3

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the Navy’s newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, sails bythe Star of India in San Diego Bay, on her way to her homeport, Naval Air StationNorth Island, San Diego. USS Ronald Reagan departed Norfolk in May and wasunderway for nearly two months while traveling around the tip of South America.During the transit, bilateral training and air engagement exercises were conductedwith Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay in support of Summer Pulse ’04. Thecrew also enjoyed port visits in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Valparaiso, Chile; and Callao,Peru. The Star of India, a late 1800s cargo ship, is the world’s oldest active ship. It isone of five historic ships belonging to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Photo by MM2(SW) Steven P. Smith

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Ngyuen Phi Hung, director of the Village of Hope Disadvantaged Youth Center in Da Nang, Vietnam, leads Sailors and children in group songs and dances. Sailors,assigned to USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) volunteered their time to visit with the children at the center and deliver Project Handclasp items. The Arleigh Burke-classdestroyer visited Da Nang during a scheduled port visit. Curtis Wilbur is the secondU.S. Navy ship to visit Vietnam, and the first to visit Da Nang since 1973, symbolizingthe continuation of normalized relations between the United States and Vietnam.P h o t o b y P H 2 T i m o t h y S m i t h

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Number 1051 • November 2004www.news.navy.mil

Secretar y of the Navy

The Honorable Gordon R. England

Chief o f Naval Operat ions

ADM Vern Clark

Chief o f In format ion

RADM T. L. McCreary

Commander, Naval Media Center

CAPT Joseph F. Gradisher

Chief of Publ ishing

CDR Jeff Breslau

D e p u t y C h i e f o f P u b l i s h i n g + Pr int Media Coordinator

LT Bill Couch

E D I T O R I A L

Editor

Marie G. Johnston

Managing Edi tor

JOCS James Slater

Assistant Edi tor

Stephanie N. Collins

Photo Edi tors

PH1 Shane T. McCoy

PH3 Antoine Themistocleous

PH3 Todd Frantom

Editor ia l Staf f

JO1 (SW) Monica Darby

JO1 (SW) Hendrick Dickson

JO1 (SCW/SS) James Pinsky

JO2 Charles L. Ludwig

JO2 Kimberly Rodgers

D I S T R I B U T I O N

Hank Lloyd

P U B L I C A T I O N & W E B D E S I G N

R + B Design Firm

Graphic Designers

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Digi ta l Prepress Specia l is t

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P R I N T I N G

Universal Printing Company

G PO Pr int ing Specia l is t

John Kennedy

Recipient of the following Awards of Magazine Excellence

for 2000-2003:

AWARDS

Speaking with SailorsMaster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

MCPON (SS/AW) Terry D. Scott

Q:I’m coming up on my EAOS, and I’m curious

about this “blue to green” program, where

I might be able to transfer to the Army. Can

you tell me more about it?

A: Operation Blue to Green can be a great opportunity

for individuals who strongly desire to stay on active duty,

but are leaving the Navy. This initiative

also benefits DOD in retaining manpower

within DOD and also assists the Army in

meeting increases in end-strength. We

would prefer that separating Sailors

consider the Naval Reserve, but this is a

good option for those who wish to serve

their country full time on active duty.

It is a completely voluntary program,

offering qualified Sailors and naval

officers the opportunity to transfer into

the Army.

To clarify, Blue to Green is not a

conversion program. Sailors with

obligated service under an enlistment

contract can opt to join the Army only

after they have fulfilled their Navy enlistment.

In addition, we have a short period of eligibility for

Sailors scheduled to leave active duty before the end of

FY05 to request early release from their unit commanding

officer. The CO in this instance has the final approval

authority, because he or she is in the best position to

determine whether that unit’s manning can afford the

gapped assignment.

Under current policy, an enlisted Sailor interested

in applying for the program must first be honorably

discharged from the Navy before reentering active service

in the Army. Officers will be able to transition without

broken service under existing rules for inter-service trans-

fer. Navy personnel will be required to take a modified,

four-week Army basic-training course.

Applicants in pay grades E-1 through E-4 will retain the

same rank, as will officers. Pay grade eligibility for second

class petty officers will be determined by the Army’s

Human Resources Command.

Other requirements of the program

include:

� Must be physically fit

� Must meet Army height and weight

standards

� Eight-year service obligation

still applies

� Minimum term of service is

three years

� Must have approved DD Form 368.

Sailors who don’t initially qualify but

are interested should sustain their

superior performance in the Navy, take

advantage of the educational opportunities

the Navy offers and be in the best position

possible to transfer when they do become eligible.

The Army is especially interested in Sailors with skills

that translate easily to Army jobs, including cryptology, fire

control, air traffic control and mechanics. A complete list of

Navy ratings and Navy Enlisted Classification codes of

interest to the Army is available on the Operation Blue to

Green Web site at www.goarmy.com/btg/index.htm#-

benefits.

I think Operation Blue to Green shows great promise,

and Navy leadership is working hard to support it. That

means making sure both the Army and our separating

Sailors have enough information about each other to make

good decisions. As with any major career move, I want

Sailors to be as well informed as possible before making

any decision.

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AllHands (USPS 372-970; ISSN 0002-5577) Number 1051 is published monthly by the Naval Media Center, Publishing Department, 2713 Mitscher Rd. S.W., Anacostia Annex, D.C. 20373-5819. Periodicals postage paid at

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6 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

Speaking with Sailors is a monthly column

initiated by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the

Navy as a way of reaching out to the men and

women of the fleet, whether they are stationed just

down the road or halfway around the world.

This question came from a discussion with Sailors at a

recent All Hands call.

Statement of Ownership,

Management & Circulation

In accordance with Section E216.3.0 Domestic Mail manual, all publishers of publications having periodical mailing privileges must file PS Form 3526 at the post office where original entry is made and publish the same in the magazine.

Around the Fleet


asked a lot of detailed questionsand received some very detailedresponses in return,” said MasterChief Petty Officer of the Navy(SS/AW) Terry Scott, who oversawthe massive effort. “We were verypleased with the level of partici-pation in the survey and the focusgroups.”

These changes to the uniformregulations are just the first in anumber of initiatives being pro-duced by TFU. In addition tostreamlining and simplifying theuniform regs, TFU is developingconcept uniforms for a workinguniform for E-1 through O-10,as well as a year-round serviceuniform for E-6 and below. TFUplans to announce the uniformconcepts in the coming weeks,and an announcement aboutspecifics of the wear testing datesand areas to follow.

NAVADMIN 209/04 serves asthe interim change to the NavyUniform Regulations.

For related news, visit the MasterChief Petty Officer of the NavyNavy NewsStand page at www.-

news.navy.mil/local/mcpon.

Story courtesy of the public affairs

office, Task Force Uniform.

myPay Email PINsNow Available to Navy Members

The Defense Finance andAccounting Service andthe U.S. Navy recently

announced that service membersare able to receive PersonalIdentification Numbers for myPayat their official Navy e-mailaccount.

Within minutes of requestinga new or updated PIN on themyPay Web site, members canexpect to receive the PIN at theirofficial Navy e-mail address, if itwas provided when they received

their Common Access Card myPay, an Internet/Web-based

and Interactive Voice Responsesystem, allows customers toaccess and control their payinformation. myPay is availableto all military members, militaryretirees and annuitants, andDOD and Department of Energycivilian employees.

The e-mail PIN deliveryprocess is a simpler, faster alternative to direct mail and in-person request methods pre-viously available. This capabilityis especially timely as more commanders, members andemployees are realizing the benefits of accessing myPay fromremote and deployed sites.Customers can view, print andsave leave and earnings state-ments, make adjustments to federal and state tax withhold-ings, update bank account andelectronic transfers and changeaddress information, all onlineby accessing myPay athttp://mypay.dfas.mil.

Story courtesy of Defense Finance

and Accounting Service.

Sailors WhoConverted RatingsPromoted Well toChief Petty Officer

Sailors who have convertedto new ratings as part ofthe signalman (SM) rating

disestablishment have promotedwell to chief petty officer.

Of the 88 E-6 SMs who con-verted to other rates in advanceof the rating disestablishment,44.3 percent made chief pettyofficer in their new rating, includ-ing 16 each in the quartermasterand master-at-arms ratings.Overall advancement opportunityto E-7 was 21.9 percent.

“The leadership skills a Sailor

learns in any rating translateacross the fleet,” said MasterChief Petty Officer of the Navy(SS/AW) Terry Scott. “Theseadvancement rates show thoseaffected by rating changesremain competitive. Leadershipand superior performance, inwhatever job you do, are whatwe’re looking for in our seniorenlisted leaders.”

“This is great news for ourSailors and the Navy,” saidVADM Gerry Hoewing, Chiefof Naval Personnel. “What thisboard proves about selection isclear, skills may be rating specificbut leadership is essential.”

“These rating changes arepart of a larger effort to ensurewe provide the fleet with theright skill mix,” said Hoewing.“Ratings should reflect Sailors’skill sets and duties performed;aligning our ratings to thechanging technology and grow-ing skills is the purpose behindthese rating changes.”

Future rating mergers arebeing studied, including the disbursing clerk (DK) and personnelman (PN) ratings, nowin the approval process. MergingDK/PN will provide the fleetspecialists needed to provide thebest possible service in terms of

personnel records.Another proposed merger is

that of the hospital corpsmanand dental technician into asingle medical service personnelrating.

Also under study is the feasi-bility of making one mass com-munication rating by mergingjournalist, draftsman, photogra-pher’s mate and lithographer ratings into one, as well as rollingthe yeoman, legalman, religiousprograms specialist and crypto-logic technician (administration)into one administrative rate.


office, Chief of Naval Personnel.

For related news, visit theChief of Naval Personnel NavyNewsStand page atwww.news.navy.mil/local/cnp.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S 9

These changes are among thefirst initiatives being rolled out asa result of Task Force Uniform.The uniform regulation changeswere made based on fleet inputfrom interviews with Sailors,command site visits, comprehen-sive research and data collectedfrom a Navywide uniformsurvey. The survey collectedfeedback from more than 40,000Sailors throughout the fleet.

The approved changesinclude women’s skirts, identi-fication badges, civilian bags,women’s handbags, communica-tion devices and breast insignia.

One of the changes effectiveimmediately will be the autho-rized wear of civilian bags whilein uniform. This includes brief-cases, gym bags, backpacks,suitcases and garment bags. Thespecific guidance on wear andappearance for each is outlinedin NAVADMIN 209/04.

Another revision that is effec-tive immediately is the wear of awireless communication device,such as a cell phone, PDA orpager for official business, whilein uniform. The device cannot

be visible from the front, andmust be worn on the belt, aft ofthe right or left elbow. Specificguidance and further details onthe proper wearing and use ofthese devices is contained inNAVADMIN 209/04.

Women may now wear civilianhandbags while in uniform, butmust meet the specific criteriaand be worn in the manner pre-scribed in NAVADMIN 209/04.Women’s uniform handbags arenow an optional uniform item,and will no longer be a prescribedseabag item or issued at recruittraining as of Oct. 1, 2004.

In addition to the handbag,women’s skirts will also be anoptional uniform component asof Oct. 1, 2004. This applies toboth service and dress uniforms,and may no longer be prescribed.Women who desire to wear a skirtwill still be able to purchase themthrough the Navy Uniform Shop.

There is also new guidanceregarding silver breast insigniaand identification badges.Specifications are outlined in theNAVADMIN.

“In the fleetwide survey, we

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class (SW)Michael Dowens was recently named

“Honor Man” while attending Surface

Rescue Swimmer School, Jacksonville, Fla.

Dowens distinguished himself by finishing

first in his class in both academics and

physical training. He said the many hours

spent every week training both mentally and physically were all

worthwhile. Dowens is currently attached to USS Carter Hall

(LSD 50) homeported at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base,

Virginia Beach, Va.

S h i p m a t e sTask Force Uniform AnnouncesChanges in Uniform Regulations

Significant changes to the Navy

Uniform Regulations were recently

approved by Chief of Naval

Operations ADM Vern Clark.

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eTask Force Uniform has announced that women Sailors may nowwear civilian handbags while in uniform, but must meet specific criteriaand be worn in the manner prescribed in NAVADMIN 209/04. Women’suniform handbags are now an optional uniform item, and will no longer bea prescribed seabag item or issued at recruit training as of Oct. 1, 2004.Other approved changes include women’s skirts, identification badges,civilian bags, communication devices and breast insignia.

will convene in April 2005. Athird CTN selection board willbe held sometime in FY06. Afterthat, the community will bemanned through accessions andthe normal lateral conversionprocess.

For a complete list ofselectees, refer to NAVADMIN163/04 available on the Web atwww.bupers.navy.mil/navadmin/n

av04/nav04163.txt.


office, Chief of Naval Personnel.

NKO Transitions,Updates to Phase II

The Navy’s centralized portalfor information, NavyKnowledge Online (NKO),

is currently transitioning to itssecond phase.

Along with adding new fea-tures to the existing communica-tion and professional develop-ment tools, the update willrestore the NKO library, leavingonly valid files for Sailors andadministrators to use.

Chief of Naval Reserve VADMJohn Cotton said NKO is thecentral location for exchangingthe best ideas and practices,which can perpetuate positivechanges in the Navy.

“This is the first place to gofor Navy resources. We wantSailors to contribute; we wantthem to take ownership of theirown Navy. We want them to havethe ability to make suggestions tohelp improve the Navy,” saidCotton. “The active componentand the Reserve component havehad different Web pages. We’reputting them in a central reposi-tory, so it’s one Web site you canvisit to find out anything aboutthe Navy.”

With more than 300,000 reg-istered users, and instant access

to the knowledge and experienceof their peers across the globe,NKO has quickly become theNavy’s premiere tool to acceler-ate learning and growth, as itbecomes more of a learningorganization. Through virtualcommunities, Sailors are ableto prepare for advancement,obtain a wealth of career infor-mation, network and utilize anarray of helpful options usingNKO.

“Connecting people to peopleand knowledge to knowledgecreates a learning environment,”Cotton said. “People begin totrust their counterparts nomatter if they are active orReserve. We are all Sailors serv-ing in one Navy, learning fromeach other.”

The NKO Library migratedvalid file content fromPersonal and Teams areasthrough Aug. 31, 2004.Personal and Teams file contentthat is no longer valid or rele-vant was deleted from NKOPhase II.

“Going to Navy KnowledgeOnline is so important for thefuture,” Cotton said. “For thefirst time, we’re gathering all ofthese resources together – a placefor Sailors ‘to go.’ … We wanttheir input. We want them tohave the ability to make sugges-tions. Through NKO, this is howwe can bring our knowledgetogether, which can be betterthan any single idea.”

Story by JO2 Kimberly Rodgers

who is assigned to Navy News

Service

Navy AnnouncesFirst Members ofNew CryptologicTechnician(Networks) Rating

The Navy announced the firstmembers of the newCryptologic Technician

Networks (CTN) rating thissummer and more than 240cryptologic technicians wereapproved for conversion on theFY04 selection board.

“The competition was fierce,”said LCDR Bill Kramer,Cryptologic Technician commu-nity manager, “but we expectedthat it would be. The talentthroughout the CT communityis just incredible.”

The CTN rating, whichbecame effective Feb. 6, is thefirst new rating of the 21st cen-tury. It was created to develop askilled work force to meet navalinformation warfare require-ments in computer networkoperations.

Selectees came from a cross-section of all six existing CT rat-ings and represent pay grades E-1 to E-8. Three senior chiefs andnine chief petty officers wereselected, as were 77 first classpetty officers; 76 second class

petty officers; and 54 third classpetty officers. More than 20 E-3sround out the picks.

The community will eventu-ally grow to more than 600people, but officials are beingcareful in how they populate thebillet base.

“We are taking a very deliber-ate approach,” said Kramer. “Wewant the community to haveenough people at all experienceand skill levels, so that it canstart to function right away, butwe also want to allow for healthygrowth and advancement oppor-

tunity in the future.”The rating change for selected

Sailors took effect Oct. 1, 2004.Conversion is still limited to

personnel already designated ascryptologic technicians. Thosenot selected this year may re-apply for the FY05 board, which

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S

Around the Fleet


T i m e C a p s u l eThis month we look back in the All Hands archive to see what was going on in the month of November. To view these issues in more detail on the Web, go to www.news.navy.mil/allhands.asp?x=search

1954 – 50 Years Ago

This issue’s cover reminded our readership that

the Navy’s Intramural Football season was in

full swing. Navy ships got their first taste of

television when the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets

installed televisions for the crews’ entertain-

ment. The battleship USS Missouri (BB 63)

joined the Fleet Reserve after 10 years of

continuous active service. Also spotlighted, was the

submarine rescue vessel USS Pigeon (ASR 6), which

earned two Presidential Unit Citations during World War II.


The “Safety and Survival at Sea” issue was a

complete “how to” guide on maneuvering

techniques during emergency situations

such as swimming through fires, rescuing

others and administering first-aid. We

reported the exclusive story on USS

Franklin (CV 13), which was preparing for

air strikes in Japan when two Japanese

bombs hit the ship. In spite of heavy

casualties, the ship’s crew fought until the fires were

checked, steerageway was regained and the ship tri-

umphantly pulled in to port without sinking.


This issue took a look into the lives of

courageous and adventurous Sailors who

spent time on and off duty ocean racing,

mountain climbing, parachute jumping,

island hopping and boat building. The

causes, characteristics and treatment

of alcoholism were also a part of the

month’s focus.

11

Ricky’sTourBy JO2 Mike Jones www.rickystour.com

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IT1 Jamie J. Andrews checks connections on Local Area Network (LAN) cables aboard USS Kitty Hawk

(CV 63). A Navy ship’s LAN provides everything from e-mail and Internet access, to supply and operational support.

13N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S

Around the Fleet


Sailors, MarinesParticipate in DODSmokeless TobaccoCessation Program

Naval Dental Center and1st Dental Battalion atMarine Corps Base Camp

Pendleton, Calif., began enrollingMarines and Sailors this summerto test the effectiveness of a newsmokeless tobacco cessation pro-gram.

The pilot program is part of aDOD-funded, four-year study onsmokeless tobacco cessationbeing conducted by the U.S. AirForce’s Wilford Hall MedicalCenter, San Antonio, and OregonResearch Institute, Eugene, Ore.Enrollments are also being con-ducted at Naval Dental CenterSouthwest, San Diego. This studywill evaluate the effectiveness ofa minimal-contact smokelesstobacco cessation program foractive-duty personnel across thefour services.

Experts cite that as it becomesincreasingly difficult to smoke inmany settings, some individualsare switching to chewing tobaccoor snuff with the false impres-

sion that smokeless tobacco is asafe alternative, putting aside thefact that long-term use ofsmokeless tobacco can result inheart disease, as well as cancersof the throat and stomach.

“Smokeless tobacco useamong military personnel is ofsignificant concern because ofthe health risks, which can seri-ously compromise the perfor-mance and readiness of membersof the armed forces,” said CAPTPaul Lindauer, commanding offi-cer, 1st Dental Battalion. “Thereis a need for tobacco cessationprograms developed specificallyfor smokeless tobacco users inthe military.”

According to Lindauer, whilesmoking rates have been steadilydeclining during the past 20years, not enough has been doneto reduce smokeless tobacco use.“While 7.7 percent of adult menin the United States report regu-lar use of smokeless tobacco, cur-rent usage among male militarypersonnel is 14.5 percent,” saidLindauer.

Many users report they wantto quit, but have difficulty stay-ing off smokeless tobaccobecause they are “physically and

psychologically addicted,” saidLindauer. Many programs arealso very time-intensive, and notconducive to busy military workand deployment schedules. Thatis why Lindauer said this pro-gram is different.

Advocates actually boast aboutthe program’s convenience.Marines or Sailors enrolled inthe program receive a free guide-book, videotape and counselingphone calls, but will not berequired to attend classes ormedical appointments.

“They can participate in theprivacy of their own home,” addedLindauer.

For more information on thetobacco cessation efforts, contactthe U.S Air Force Wilford HallMedical Center at (210) 292-6297.

For related news, visit theNaval Medicine Navy NewsStandpage at www.news.navy.mil/-

local/mednews.

Story by Ellen Maurer, who is

assigned to the public affairs office,

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

New Program Aimsto Help MilitarySpouses Interestedin Teaching

Spouses to Teachers (STT),DOD’s latest endeavor toassist military spouses

interested in teaching, is servinga similar purpose as the popularTroops to Teachers (TTT) program, an official said.

DOD established TTT in1994, and responsibility for theprogram was recently transferredto the U.S. Department ofEducation. TTT was created tohelp recruit quality teachers forschools that serve low-incomefamilies throughout America,according to the TTT Web site.

Michael Melo, director of

Virginia’s TTT program and aVirginia STT pilot program,explained that TTT laid thegroundwork for STT in providingindividual state information.STT currently has a pilot programin five other states: California,Colorado, Florida, Georgia andTexas.

According to Gary Woods,acting director of DOD educa-tional opportunities, the STTprogram was prompted by military spouses who werealready teachers or interested in teaching, but were facing difficulties finding certificationrequirements and job informationwhen they moved.

Melo and Woods said theprogram would offer informa-tion, counseling and guidance toeligible, interested individuals.Initially, eligibility is limited tothose with a bachelor’s degreewho are spouses of active-dutyservice members and membersof the Selected Reserve orIndividual Ready Reserve onextended duty.

It will also offer limited finan-cial assistance to help defray thecosts of meeting state certifica-tion requirements in the pilotstates.

On the future STT Web siteand in offices that will be han-dling the program, the goal is toprovide information on teacher-certification requirements withina state, what kinds of jobs areavailable, and what kind of reci-procity exists between the systemthey’re currently teaching in andsystems they may potentially betransferring into, Woods said.

These sources also aim to makespouses aware of additionalcourse requirements for certifica-tion or credentialing within thenew state, and make sure spousesknow where they can turn forpotential financial assistance topursue those courses.

Due to that established network,the Virginia STT office is able to

help transferring spouses becomeaware of how they may need toaugment their certification, ascertifications are not alwaysaccepted in a different schoolsystem, Melo said.

“Because of the network wehave from Troops to Teacherswith the Department of Edu-cation, with the school districtsand with the colleges, we’re ableto provide the information thespouses need for certification ina particular state,” Melo said. “Ifit has reciprocity, there arealways intricate little details thatit doesn’t necessarily transferover completely.”

The response has been posi-tive, Melo said. “We’re actuallysurprised at the number of phonecalls we’ve already received.”

Already, four spouses are inthe Virginia pilot program, andone has entered an academicprogram that will lead to licensure.

While the program servesspouses interested in teaching, italso helps ease the burden of anational teacher shortage. Thebenefits, however, are not limitedto the schools that stand to getquality teachers out of the pro-gram. The students reap rewards,as well.

“The military spouse has avariety of life experiences thatthey’ve gained as a militaryspouse,” Melo said. “So whenthey come into the classroom,they bring those same experiencesso they can impart those lifeexperiences in the learningprocess of the students.”

Military families can comeout ahead, too. Woods said thisprovides an opportunity for aspouse to pursue a degree and acareer that will provide thefamily a better income over time.“One of the things that we’re pri-marily interested in right now isproviding access to careers forspouses that will enhance thefamily bottom line,” he said.

Melo and Woods agree that

the national TTT Web site is thebest source of information rightnow. An STT Web page isexpected to be establishedshortly and will link from thenational TTT site.

For more news from DOD, goto www.defenselink.mil.

Story by Samantha L. Quigley, who

is assigned to the American Forces

Press Service, Alexandria, Va.

Senior EnlistedAcademy Expands,Includes Non-Residents Course

ADistance Learning pro-gram at the Navy SeniorEnlisted Academy is now

allowing senior chiefs and masterchiefs to learn away from theclassroom, enabling them to continue their routine jobs andsave the Navy money.

The Senior Enlisted Academyoffers two courses, resident andnon-resident courses, whichmirror each other. Each course isintended to enrich each studentand build upon what they alreadyknow.

“The students gain some self-awareness,” Command MasterChief Ralph Rao, Navy SeniorEnlisted Academy director, said.“They find out where theirstrengths are and their weaknesses.Hopefully, they get stronger instrong areas and improve in areaswhere they have shortcomings.

“Additionally, we let themknow that their way of doingbusiness is not wrong," he said."They’ve been successful, butwouldn’t it be great to learnother ways of doing things, whentheir way doesn’t work.”

The non-resident course isopen to active-duty and ReserveSailors, and is only offered twicea year with plans to increase its

frequency. Each non-residentstudent will attend a ‘kick-offweekend’ to meet their instructors,get their laptops and disks withcourse material, and learn whatis expected of them for the next15 weeks. For those 15 weeks,students can expect to spend oneto four hours a night working oncourse material.

“It’s all about keeping up,”Rao said. "Additionally, some ofthe students may be drillingReservists who have a full-timejob, which doesn’t allow themthe time to be devoted to thecourse work. Time management,organization, and the balancebetween family and their life playa big part in completing thiscourse."

After those 15 weeks, all thestudents will then meet inNewport for two weeks to giveoral presentations, go on a navalheritage trip, listen to guestspeakers and have a few writingassignments.

The Senior Enlisted Academysaid there will always be residentand non-resident courses, andthat the average course will growto 65 by next year. Additionally,the resident course will bereduced from eight weeks to sixweeks in the beginning ofJanuary 2005.

For more information on theSenior Enlisted Academy, visitthe Center for Naval Leadershippage on Navy Knowledge Onlineat www.nko.navy.mil.

For related news, visit theNaval Reserve ReadinessCommand Northeast NavyNewsStand page atwww.news.navy.mil/local/-

redcomne.

Story by JO1(SW/AW) Steve

Bansbach, who is assigned to the

public affairs office Naval Reserve

Readiness Command Northeast.

LT Jorge Cuadros, officer in charge of Air Detachment, Naval MobileConstruction Battalion 7 recently

received the 2004 National Image, Inc.,

Meritorious Service Award. The award

recognizes outstanding equal opportunity (EO) and civil rights

accomplishments within and outside the Hispanic community. As

resident officer in charge of construction, Mayport, Fla., at Naval

Facilities Engineering Field Activity Southeast, Cuadros served as

the command managed EO officer increasing command awareness

regarding cultural diversity, fairness and EO. He also volunteered

as a grade school classroom-reader and used books that focus on

diversity.

S h i p m a t e s

U.S. Naval Academy MIDN1/C Aaron Polanco runs for a touchdown against the Northeastern Huskies. Polanco scoredthree touchdowns and rushed for 143 yards to lead Navy to a 28-24 win over Northeastern. P h o t o b y D a m o n J . M o r i t z

1514 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S

Decommissioned more than

40 years ago,ex-USS Shadwell

continues to serve the fleet as

a naval research laboratory

dedicated to the study of

shipboard fire.

When fire breaks out at sea, there’snowhere to run. Far from land, far from help,a fire at sea is like no other fire on earth.

But the firefighters of ex-USS Shadwell(LSD15) are learning from the maritimefires of the past to save Sailors’ lives in thefuture. From the latest in innovative tech-nologies to new doctrines and techniquesfor those who go into the flames, the scien-

tific studies conducted on the formerwarship keep the U.S. Navy at the forefrontof shipboard firefighting.

Once a World War II amphibiousassault ship, Shadwell now sits aground ona small sandbar off the coast of MobileBay, Ala., as a working laboratory for NavalResearch Laboratories (NRL), where fire isalways the plan of the day.

� ABH1(AW) James Jenkins fills the oxygentanks prior to the next test in the passagewaynext to the ship’s old brig.

In theofLine

FireS t o r y a n d p h o t o s b y J O 1 ( S W ) M . J . D a r b y

....

17N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S IN THE LINE OF FIRE16 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

Far from the salty dogs who onceroamed Shadwell ’s passageways, a small,specialized team of doctors, engineers,student interns, contractors, NavalReservists and temporary additional duty(TAD) active-duty Sailors now make upShadwell ’s crew. They come to study thelatest technologies, techniques anddoctrines in maritime firefighting.

Only a shadow of her former self,Shadwell, rusted from bow to stern, now“sits” at an exaggerated two-degree list tostarboard. The ship is now a platform thathosts numerous tests to determine exactlyhow fire behaves at sea and how best tocombat the demon. The results of the testingare sent to Navy ships and also shared withcivilian ships and firefighting agenciesaround the world.

“Of course, there are several safetymeasures in place, but once the match isput to the fuel, it’s on the fire fighting teamto extinguish the flames,” said fire testengineer Chelbi Cole, one of two engineersassigned to ignite test fires and observeefforts at the scene. “On Shadwell there isno cut-off valve.”

Sailors training aboard Shadwell quicklyfind out that the main source of fire isn’ttheir only problem. As they blindly maketheir way through smoke-filled spacessearching for flames, they find that secondaryfires can flare up because of heat convection.

In less than five minutes time, a metalhull, super-heated from nearby fire, maycause flammable materials, such as chairs,books, clothes or toiletries, in nearby roomsto ignite. During this particular trainingevolution, it takes most fire parties aboutseven minutes just to report to the repairlockers and get dressed out. By the time thedamage control team reports to the scene,10 minutes have gone by – more than doublethe time needed to ignite secondary fires.

Additionally, Sailors aboard Shadwellquickly learn about personal physical limitations. The simple act of making theirway toward the staging area of a firedrenches each Sailor in sweat before theyeven enter the scene. Once inside, the intenseheat build-up within the compartmentsturns the moisture held inside the protectivesuits to steam. Once AFFF or water vaporsystems are activated, the steam intensifiesand any part of the skin not properlycovered can be burned.

“Heat is one thing. I can take the heatand fire any day,” said Culinary Specialist

2nd Class Jerrail Ramsey, a Reservist aboardShadwell “But steam. I just won’t messaround with steam – it hurts.”

As the engineers and Sailors walk intothe flames, safety observers on the sceneand test engineers in the main controlroom closely monitor everythingthroughout the ship, from rooms that havelong sat undisturbed to the rooms currentlyablaze. Additionally, sensors and airflowmonitors report the temperature throughoutthe trainer. Even the blazing pyres aretracked, often reaching temperatures close to 1,000 degrees.

� Perspiration steams off the flash gear of on-scene fire test engineers, John Farley and ChelbiCole. From the deck, Farley and Coleobserve diesel fuel being added tothe fire before the firefighing party issent in to combat the flames.

� From the control room located centerlinein Shadwell, every part of the ship is monitored,and all vital information (such as temperatures,air flow and personnel movement) are documentedby chemical engineers and science coordinatorssuch as Hung Van Pham (foreground).

� Shadwell’s fire test engineers and contractors finish bolting down the overheadwater system in the scaled-down well deck priorto their test series that will help establish a welldeck fire fighting doctrine for Pre-CommissioningUnit (PCU) San Antonio (LPD 17).

� A firefighting party from pre-Commissioning Unit San Antonio (LPD 17)prepares to enter the catwalk area of the scaled-down well deck to fight the blaze.

If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.And Shadwell is no exception. Remarkably,though, injuries are minimal on this ship.On the latest test series, the Shadwellcrew, supplemented by TAD Sailors from Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) San Antonio(LPD 17), sought to establish a well deckfire fighting doctrine for the latest class ofamphibious assault ships.As usual forShadwell, things got hot fast.

As the fire party waited to enter theenclosed space of Shadwell ’s well deck fromthe catwalk, smoke poured from every gap.The crew disappeared into the wall ofblack for no more than three minutes beforethey raced out, smoke and steam rollingfrom their personal protective equipment.Helmet face shields melted like candy.Self-contained Breathing Apparatus faceshields warped and cracked. Voice amplifiers

were inoperable. A radio that had droppedto the catwalk deck melted to the glovethat picked it up. Even the nozzle and Y-gateof the hose – situated along the catwalkwell above the flames below – had meltedto the walkway grate.

The only thing that could have beenmore realistic was an actual shipboard fire.This type of training provides a soberingreminder of why Sailors must be well-trainedon what to expect and how to react to fire at sea.

At the post-fire brief, the group discussedlessons learned.

“If I could have charged the hose, I thinkwe would have been able to fight the fire,”said Engineman 1st Class (SW) TheodoreTrevino glancing at his burnt fingers. “I’vebeen on fire teams for a long time now,and I’ve never seen a protective glove

smoke like that before!”Some San Antonio Sailors were so shaken

by the reality of the experience that theycouldn’t continue participating in the tests.“Everyone has their breaking point,” saidAviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (AW)James Jenkins, whose steaming gear waspeeled off of him to reveal first-degreeburns down both arms and hands. “Turnsout mine is 754 degrees.”

“It got intense in there quick,” continuedJenkins’s shipmate, Damage Controlman1st Class Michael Schweikert. “I’ve takenalmost every fire-fighting training availablein the fleet, and this is the most realisticsituation I’ve ever been in – bar none. Itreally made me think about what wouldhappen if well deck vehicles caught on fireduring a deployment. Every Sailor shouldexperience training like this.”

Fire test engineer John Farley, also atthe scene of every Shadwell fire as anigniter/observer, recognized the Sailors’anxieties, but reminded them that fire oftenchanges the rules of engagement. “Thingsobviously got hotter than we had expected,but that is the nature of fire,” said Farley.“Under current doctrines, if this had beenan actual shipboard fire, you probably wouldhave faced similar problems. But that’s whywe’re here, to look at current proceduresand address what changes should be made.”

Although varied in their roles aboardthe former warship, everyone who boardsShadwell, whether TAD personnel, NavyReservist or civilian contractor, doggedlyshares a common goal: saving Sailors’ lives

19N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S IN THE LINE OF FIRE18 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

� Only moments after entering the spaceto battle the blaze, the fire team was forced toretreat due to the heat. Sweat-soaked personalprotective equipment exposed to the 754-degreetemperatures within the space began to “boil”the men’s skin. Once outside, safety observersquickly peeled away the steaming gear.

� After the fire had been extinguishedand the space cleared, the catwalk hose —intended for fire fighting — was found melted to the deck.

� Once a World War II amphibiousassault ship, the ex-USS Shadwell (LSD 15) nowsits aground in Mobile Bay, Ala. During the latesttest series to establish a well deck fire-fightingdoctrine for the Pre-Commissioning Unit San Antonio (LPD 17), smoke pours from thecompartment closest to the stern gate.

90+ degree heat. After nearly 17 yearsaboard Shadwell, Krueger can’t help butglance longingly at the fisherman relaxingin a small, shaded boat just off Shadwell ’sstern. “But what we do here is important,and if we can save Sailors’ lives, it’s worth afew aches and pains.”

Along the bulkheads of the area once

reserved for officer berthing, hang smallplates engraved with the names of shipsthat have had shipboard fires – from World War I to the present. The number of casualties are also listed. But thosesmall, symbolic plates may well become a thing of the past, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Shadwell ’s crew.

Nothing would make them happier

Darby is a photojournalist assigned to

All Hands.

21N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S IN THE LINE OF FIRE

by improving naval fire fighting fleetwide.“As Reservists, we volunteered to serve

our drill time aboard Shadwell,” saidHospital Corpsman 2nd Class John Dalton.“Most of us lose money – and sometimes alittle skin – by traveling here, but what wedo aboard Shadwell has an importantimpact on today’s fleet.”

With one series almost behind them,Shadwell ’s crew cleaned up the mess fromthe day’s fire and began to install newconfigurations. Everything had to bereplaced: water systems, sensors, cameraprotective binding, fuel lines and bulkheads.Building and welding the new test sectionswas grueling work under a sun that felt

almost as fierce as Shadwell ’s fires. Yet taxingas their tasks are, Shadwell ’s crew tackleseach project with steadfast tenacity.

“My body is telling me it’s time to go,”said Carl Krueger, a retired Coast GuardSailor turned Shadwell contractor as hepauses from welding sheet metal to mopthe sweat from his leathery brow in sticky,


� Although they’ve been coming toShadwell for several years for drills, BMSN ErikRye, HM2 John Dalton and CS2 Jerrail Ramseyhave only recently become part of Shadwell’sReserve Unit, ONR/NRL SNT 117.

� Nursing minor steam burns from thelatest test fire, the Sailors of Pre-CommissioningUnit San Antonio (LPD 17) discuss lessonslearned with the engineers on Shadwell’s mess decks.

� John Farley, a former naval line officer, continues to have an impact today as a NavyResearch Laboratory fire test engineer.

Website Exclusive

Find more photos online atwww.news.navy.mil/media/allhands/flash/ah200411/feature_1/

S t o r y a n d p h o t o s b y P H 3 T o d d F r a n t o m

22 23A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S

Dest inat ion Japan

� Western influence is reflectedthroughout the streets in Tokyo. The crowdsin Tokyo’s Akihabara rival the crowds in NewYork City's Times Square.

25N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S DESTINATION JAPAN

Visiting Japan for the first time canbe somewhat overwhelming. Atfirst glance, the streets are ablaze

with colors strewn across an endless canvasof neon signs with undecipherable writing.People are everywhere – thousands of themflow effortlessly through the city streets inseemingly splendid harmony with oneanother.

Many Sailors taking orders to Japanmay feel dazed and confused in such anenvironment. As a result, many Sailorsrestrict themselves to the safe confines oftheir base, never realizing the real reasonfor taking orders to Japan is found off theships and beyond the base’s gates.

“Even though I was skeptical at first onhow to use the trains, I quickly realized thatthe people actually know enough Englishand are willing to help out; all you have todo is ask,” said Aviation Boatsman’s Mate(Handling) 3rd Class Isaac Paddock,assigned to USS Kitty Hawk(CV 63).

After reassuring himself that he wasn’tintimidated by being in a foreign country,Paddock discovered Japan offers a varietyof recreational options, especially duringthe warm weather months.

“Summer is incredible in Japan. I neverrealized that Japan had so many greatbeaches. I’ve done everything from surfingto riding jet skis,” said Paddock. “At nightthe Japanese shoot off fireworks and havebonfires on the beach. Japan is such anawesome experience, I feel like I am onvacation living here.”

There are also plenty of locationsthroughout Japan for Sailors to relax. TheJapanese gardens - better known inAmerica as parks – exude a feeling ofserenity. These gardens are one of thecountry’s most distinctive features, andthey add a special dimension to a visitor’senjoyment of Japan.

“The parks are a great place to relax andjust get away,” said Airman Sean Whitt,also assigned to Kitty Hawk. “I think it’sgood to feel like I’m on vacation so thatmy job on the ship is less stressful.”

In stark contrast to the peaceful atmos-

phere in the Japanese Gardens are thecrowded streets of the Akihabara district inTokyo. Japan is one of the world’s leadersin innovative gadgets and technologicaladvances, and Sailors can find almost anygizmo they need in the Akihabara.

“I’m amazed by the technology,” saidPaddock. “I have yet to understand every-thing my phone does. Everywhere you gothere seems to be something different, newor high tech staring you in the face. It’s allover.”

Whether a Sailor wants to experiencethe quiet of the Japanese gardens or diveinto the technological maelstrom in thestreets of Tokyo, the experience is there.Sailors just have to know how to takeadvantage of it. And according to Paddock,they need to begin is right on base.

“If you want to really get out and seeJapan, the best thing to do to get started isgo to the MWR [Morale, Welfare andRecreation] and ITT [Information, Tours


� Sailors assignedto USS Curtis Wilbur

(DDG 54) enjoy a relaxingafternoon at one ofJapan’s many beautifulbeaches.

� ABH3 IsaacPaddock waits for atrain at Yokosuka’s ChuoStation. “It took me acouple of days to get upthe courage, but I didn’tcome all this way to stayon the Navy base,” he said.

� CTR1 Joseph Barnes (right) helpsCTRSN Jeremy Smith through the streets ofYokosuka toward his new duty station onYokosuka Naval Base.

Atsugi Fast Facts

NAF Atsugi is home of the only complete co-located,forward; deployed air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5,embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

Location: In Ayase city, 10 miles due west ofYokohama and 23 miles southwest of Tokyo, Atsugiis within walking distance of trains.

Major commands: COMFAIRWESPAC; U.S. NavalAir Facility Atsugi; FASOTRAGRUPAC; Naval PacificMeteorology & Oceanography Det. Naval Air PacificRepair Activity; Carrier Air Wing 5.

Population: 10,000.

Housing: All military members, civilian employees inthe grade of GS-12 (pay equivalent) or higher withcommand- sponsored family members, are eligible forgovernment family housing. All members, includingsingle personnel with command endorsement, areeligible for off-base housing.

Facilities: Nations Bank, medical facility, DODDschools, commissary, exchange, MWR, gym, bowling,movie theater, golf, swimming pool, restaurants,clubs, pool hall, baseball and football fields.

Special Interest: Tokyo Disneyland, Yokohama, Mt.Fuji, Nagano (snow skiing), Kamakura Beach.

“The best part about having duty overseas is theopportunity is available to finish my school online oron campus, and let’s not forget the shopping!”

Ms. Nicole Carr, Family MemberNAS Atsugi.

Internet: Naval Air Facility Atsugi

(https://www.atsugi.navy.mil)

• Tokyo•

Atsugi

27N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S DESTINATION JAPAN26 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

� Buddha is a significant figure in Japan. Buddhism, the mostpracticed religion in Japan, teaches and encourages treating everyonewith the utmost respect and kindness.

� Some Japanese temples can be foundnestled among the trees and hydrangea busheson the outskirts of the city. The temples reflectthe history and culture of Japan.

and Travel] offices on base,” said Paddock.“They have tours all the time. They alsohave bus and train schedules, even mapsthat show you where to go. After you do acouple of tours, you get your confidence upand you’ll be ready to go out on your own.”

Stephen Brown, a former Sailor aboardKitty Hawk, suggests trying it all to get themost out of a tour in Japan. He spent fouryears in Japan before getting out of theNavy. Later, he came back as a civilian.

“Japan will grow on you,” said Brown.

“The people, the food and everything aboutthis land has an addictive quality about it.After four years of being here, I didn’t feellike I had fully experienced what Japan hadto offer, and now I’m back doing what I canto soak it up. I would advise anyone who

comes to Japan to get off the base and see as much as possible.”But Japan is more than just crowded cities, busy streets and

fancy gizmos. Ancient temples secluded among bold trees andcolorful flowers rest on the outskirts of these busy streets and holdthe secrets to Japan’s ancient history.

“When I first visited the temples, it was completely differentfrom being in the city,” said LT Kimberly Musa, assigned to U.S.Naval Hospital Yokosuka. “There was something peaceful aboutbeing out there that you can’t get in the city.”

In time, Sailors become accustomed to the foreign atmosphereand find themselves at ease with everything around them, havinglost their initial fear. The country’s low crime rate and kind natureof its people are key to this.

According to the Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics 2000,Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The kindtreatment of visitors to Japan is in part due to the teachings ofBuddhism, which most Japanese people practice as their religion.All travelers are to be treated with the utmost respect and kind-ness. Under these precepts, the Japanese have been schooled in the“Good Samaritan” concept for more than a thousand years.

“I’m amazed at how comfortable I feel traveling around thecountry alone,” said Musa. “Everyone is so friendly and alwayswilling to help out. There always seems to be some sort of celebra-tion – it is like Mardi Gras every weekend in Japan.”

Sailors stationed in Japan have an opportunity to experiencethese celebrations. There are many local festivals throughout theyear, usually centered around neighborhood shrines andBuddhist temples. These festivals (0-matsuri) are celebrations ofthe changing seasons, planting and harvesting.

The festivals may also offer prayers for family health, goodfortune and prosperity, and they often include folk dancing

(continued on page 31)

• Tokyo•Yokosuka

29N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S DESTINATION JAPAN28 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

� The combination of traditional Japanese culture and today’smodern influences make Japan one of the most intriguing countries in Asia.

� USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54)and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56)aremoored with a U.S. submarine at theYokosuka Naval base.

� A roller coaster frames thecityscape of ultra-modern, Yokohama,Japan. Yokohama is a favorite shoppingdestination for the Japanese.

Website Exclusive

Find more photos online atwww.news.navy.mil/media/allhands/flash/ah200411/feature_2/

Yokosuka Fast Facts

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) is thelargest overseas U.S. naval installation in the world.The 55 tenant commands that make up this installa-tion support WESTPAC operating forces, includingprincipal afloat elements of the U.S. 7th Fleet andCommander Destroyer Squadron 15, including theonly permanent, forward-deployed aircraft carrier—USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

Location: This 560-acre installation lies at theentrance of Tokyo Bay, just 40 miles from the capitalcity of Tokyo.

Population: 24,000.

Housing: More than 2,500 homes and apartments; 10nine- story towers with 48 two bedroom apartmentsfor junior enlisted. More than 1,200 single familyhouses and apartments located on the Negishi andIkego Navy establishments for officer, enlisted andcivilian families.

Facilities: Nations Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union,U.S. Naval Hospital/dental, undergraduate and graduateopportunities, DODD schools (elementary and highschool), commissary, exchange, MWR, gym, bowling,two movie theaters, swimming pool, clubs, baseball andfootball fields, batting cages, driving range, ocean sidepark, marina. Restaurants include McDonalds, Taco Bell,Popeye’s, China Garden and Baskin Robbins.

Special Interest: Paint ball course hosted by MWR.Sailing lessons offered at the Green Bay Marina. IkegoWest Valley campground, open seven days a week.Workout facility with organized sporting eventsincluding football, baseball, tennis and rugby.

“Thanks to playing on the Navy rugby team on base, Iwas given the opportunity to play in the Women’sNational Rugby game held in Las Vegas this year.”

FC2 Teresa CalhounUSS Chancellorsville (CG 62).

Internet: Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY)

(http://www.cfay.navy.mil)


• Tokyo

•Sasebo

31N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S DESTINATION JAPAN

� A curious Japanese boypeers into the crowd looking for afriend. The youth of Japan aretrained at a young age to deal with the traffic and crowds in metropolitan areas.

� It is common to seeTokyo street vendors sellingcooked meat on skewers topassers-by.

� (Far left) USS KittyHawk (CV 63) Sailor AN ShaunWitt, and his girlfriend MotokaFumiyama enjoy one of Japan’smany parks. “The parks are a great place to sit and reflect onwhere I am and what’s going on inmy life,” said Witt.

(odori), carnival-like games,food booths, archery andmartial arts demonstrations.Costumed participants carryshrines through the streets whilechanting. Most festivals are freeto watch.

“I will never forget the firstJapanese festival I saw,” saidMusa. “It was held at the baseof Mt. Fuji, signifying thebeginning of the climbingseason. Hundreds of spectatorsgathered along the streets thatwere laced with scorchingbonfires taller than a man.Bright red embers fell from thenight sky as a shrine carried bya dozen men passed me. It wasa sight to behold, unlikeanything I have ever seen in theUnited States.”

Appreciation of Japaneseculture is one of the mostunique things a Sailor can takefrom a tour in Japan. Thecultural lessons of the Japaneseway of life may be far morerewarding than all the cars,cameras, video games and otherproducts the country exports.

“I’ve done all I can to expe-rience the culture of Japan,such as taking trips with MWR,visiting temples, and I even sawthe famous ‘Big Buddha’ inKamakura – all of which hashelped me understand theJapanese people more and gaina respect for their heritage,”said Musa. “I am so happy thatI have gotten out and learnedsomething about their history. Ibelieve it has made me a betterperson, and I definitely ammaking the best of my duty inJapan.”

Frantom is a photojournalist

assigned to All Hands.

Sasebo Fast Facts

Sasebo’s facilities support forward-deployed units andvisiting operating forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet anddesignated tenant activities.

Location: Sasebo Bay, on the northwest corner ofthe island of Kyushu; 30 miles northwest of Nagasaki.

Major commands: Commander AmphibiousSquadron 11; USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3);Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo; FleetIndustrial Supply Center; U.S. Naval PacificMeteorology & Oceanography Det.

Population: 5,000.

Housing: High-rise apartments, duplexes and townhouses; Standard waiting list is 12 to 24 months.

Facilities: Bowling alley, restaurants, gas station, allhands club, gyms, medical/dental clinics, commissary,Exchange, chapel, post office, banks, DODD school.

Special Interest: Sailing and Outdoor AdventureCenter offers everything from Sea Kayaking to BasicSailing classes. Hiking, fishing and scuba trips, arealso available.

"COLA is very important, especially when you are notdealing with the U.S. dollar as the primary currency.If you live off base, COLA gives you that peace ofmind that your rent and bills are going to be paidwithout problem."

HN Neely F. NelsonBranch Medical Clinic Sasebo

Internet: Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo

(http://www.cfas.navy.mil)

(continued from page 27)

33N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S32 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

Monthly contributions fromtoday’s enlisted service members help provide a home for yesterday’s heroes

S t o r y a n d p h o t o s b y J O 1 ( S W ) M . J . D a r b y

� Unlike the typical churchstain-glass windows, the windows of the Armed ForcesRetirement Home Chapel, Gulfport, Miss., depict various naval emblems, vessels and battles.

Tuggle’s stories of his military serviceare incredible and almost unbelievable –stories of fierce battles against insurmount-able odds. Yet Tuggle isn’t the only onewith a story to tell here, because he residesat the Washington, D.C., Armed ForcesRetirement Home (AFRH) – a home forheroes.

The first veterans’ retirement facilitywas originally established in 1834 as theUnited States Naval Home in Philadelphia.The Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home inWashington, D.C., followed in 1851. In

1976, when maintenance and refur-bishing costs for the Philadelphia homegrew too exorbitant, the Naval Homewas relocated to newer facilities inGulfport, Miss.

In 1990, the two homes werecombined by an act of Congress anddesignated as the Armed ForcesRetirement Homes, allowing veteransof all services to reside at either location.

A majority of today’s Sailors arenot aware of these special homes, yet

John Tuggle is a little tired today. Long ago he fought

as part of a small guerrilla unit against the Japanese

invasion during World War II in the jungles of the

Philippine Island of Mindanao. But this afternoon he

settles back comfortably in a well-worn recliner, visibly

winded from a few hours of ballroom dancing earlier, to tell a

young Sailor about days gone by.

34

� As a volunteerresident driver at

the Gulfport, Miss.,home, Fred Thurmondtypically finds himself

behind the steeringwheel – missing most ofthe scenery. But, during

the MWR-sponsoredswamp tour down the

West Pearl River,Thurmond enjoys

the luxury of simplyobserving for a change.

� Washington, D. C., resident JohnTuggle’s room is filled with family photos andmemorabilia of his naval service. Tuggle, whomet his wife in the jungles of Mindanao,Republic of the Philippines, while fighting as aguerrilla during World War II, proudly sharesphotos of their children and grandchildren.

� For those residents who fail to stayengaged in the homes’ many activities (orfor those whose health doesn’t permit much activity), the simple act of waiting – orwatching the fish get fed – or waiting for thedining hall to open, becomes an importantagenda item. Even with lunch more than anhour away, residents fill the lobby of theGulfport home as they queue up to be firstin line for chow.

A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

� Resident newlywed

Buron Noel still finds time

for the dailypinnocle game.

35N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S A HOME FOR HEROES

� Massive, ancient oaks that sprawlacross the grounds provide shady comfort

from the fierce Mississippi sun to the residents of the Gulfport home. Richard

Craigue, Marion Powers and Pete Lee sit in theshade sharing photographs and stories from

skydives each took recently.

the two retirement complexes are largelysupported by 50-cent contributionsdeducted monthly from each enlistedservice member’s base pay.

Two quarters might seem inconsequentialindividually, but collectively, they add up.And, when added to the fines and forfei-tures garnished for military infractions thehomes also receive, these funds provide anoperational budget that keeps residents’fees substantially lower than alternativecivilian retirement communities.

In 2003 alone, AFRH received a total of$46 million from the enlisted community($7 million from monthly deductions anda staggering $39 million from fines).

Armed Forces Retirement Homes provideresidents with much more than just a placeto hang their hat. Medical care is available24-hours-a-day from on-site medicalpersonnel. Enlisted contributions alsosupport a multitude of programs, servicesand amenities to keep residents active andengaged within the community.

While the grounds, services and qualityof care provided at these homes are

impressive; the most amazing feature ofthese facilities is their residents.

The active residents enjoy social clubs,bowling, swimming, golfing, dancing,gardening, sculpting, painting, woodworking,biking, bingo, athletic competitions andcard tournaments – all conveniently locatedon the grounds. Other activities includevarious Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored tours and outings. Additionally,each home has its own gym, theater, postoffice, library, auto-body hobby shop, bank,pub, beauty- and barbershop, and smallExchange shops, essentially offering the

37N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S A HOME FOR HEROES36 A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l

� Every Friday afternoon at the Gulfport home residents andguests glide across the dance floor cheek-to-cheek to the tunes of yesteryear performed by a live band.

� Harry Casino, a resident of the Gulfport home, grabs 40 winksfrom a comfortable armchair in the lobby. Between naps, Casino craftsdelicate and intricate origami ornaments for the home’s staff andguests.

� Syd Lant, resident since 1991, spends hours playing the grand piano he donated to thehome in November 2001. “I had to put it (the piano) somewhere so I could practice, and it obviouslywasn’t going to fit in my room,” Lant joked.

� Former World War II WAVE, MarionWolke is one of the Gulfport home’s more activeresidents. On top of an early morning exerciseregime, Wolke is a volunteer driver for fellowresidents, belongs to the local “Red HatSociety,” and never fails to attend the Fridayafternoon dances.

39N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S A HOME FOR HEROES

services veterans are accustomed to receivingon military bases.

Gulfport resident Dorothy “Gigi”Martin served two years in the Army AirCorps during World War II. Although shewas forced to leave at the end of the war, aswomen were not permitted to serve full-time, she fondly recalls her time in service.

“It’s funny now, but I still remember theday high-heeled shoes were first issued aspart of the uniform. Supply told me myflats weren’t worn down enough to qualifyfor a new pair of shoes. But I’ve always beena high-heel kook, so I spent every eveningfor a week rubbing my flats on the cementsidewalk outside of my dorm until I couldget my heels. They were lovely,” saidMalone.

Ask D.C. resident Harris Bircher abouthis military experience, and he will share acopy of his hometown newspaper detailinghis funeral service after he “died” in theattack on Pearl Harbor. Thumbing throughthe crinkled, yellowed pages of his photoalbum, he lands on the full-page obituaryand casually relates how he swam to nearbyland when his ship was bombed.

“Everything was so chaotic after thebombing that it took the Navy two weeks torealize that I hadn’t actually died,” he said.

In the meantime, his family had alreadyconducted his funeral service with the Navy’sassurance that his remains would be senthome if ever recovered and identified.

While the enlisted communities’ monetarycontributions help provide for AFRH

residents’ physical needs, visits are equallyappreciated and important.

In Gulfport or D.C., behind every resi-dent door, fox trotting across the dancefloors, tinkling the ivories of a grand pianoin the reception hall or quietly snoozing inlobby armchairs you’ll find anotheramazing piece of history waiting to beshared. All one has to do is ask.

Darby is a photojournalist assigned to

All Hands.


AFRH Residency Admissions Criteria

Considering residency at one of theArmed Forces Retirement Homes? If so, applicants must be:

(1) Veterans who – (A) are 60 years of age or over; and (B) were discharged orreleased from service in the ArmedForces under honorable conditions after20 or more years of active service.

(2) Veterans who are determined underrules prescribed by the chief operatingofficer to be incapable of earning a live-lihood because of a service-connecteddisability incurred in the line of duty inthe armed forces.

(3) Veterans who – (A) served in a wartheater during a time of war declaredby Congress or were eligible for hostilefire special pay under U.S.C. Title 37,section 310; (B) were discharged orreleased from service in the ArmedForces under honorable conditions; and(C) are determined under rulesprescribed by the chief operating officerto be incapable of earning a livelihoodbecause of injuries, disease or disability.

(4) Female veterans who – (A) served in thewomen’s component of the ArmedForces before June 12, 1948; and (B) are determined under rules prescribedby the chief operating officer to beeligible for admission because ofcompelling personal circumstances.

**Please note: Couples are always welcome

to reside together at either location, but

both persons MUST qualify for admission

individually.

For more information or if you are interested in residing at the Gulfport,Miss., home, contact their admissionsoffice at (228) 897-4021, toll-free (800) 332-3527 or by e-mail at [email protected] interested in Washington, D.C.,area should call (202) 730-3337,toll-free (800) 422-9988, or [email protected].

� Ever the gentleman, JohnTuggle assists a lady with her

luggage cart by taking it ahead ofher to the bus stop in front of ScottHall at the Washington, D.C., home.

� A first-year resident of theGulfport home, Dorothy “Gigi” Malone

entertains fellow residents on thehome’s organ in the reception hall

by playing old melodies and holdingsing-alongs.

� As the sun quickly retreatson the day, Jesse James returns his gardening tools to the shed.

� There are larger accommodations forresiding couples at the Gulfport retirement home,

but they are limited. While resident newlyweds,Buron and Helen Noel, wait patiently for combined

quarters, they use her room on the eighth floor for sleeping and his room (pictured) for a TV

sitting room.

Website Exclusive

Find more photos online at

www.news.navy.mil/media/allhands/flash

/ah200411/feature_3/

41S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D SA L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l40

Focus onService T

hese days, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) Luciana

Erdmann could be considered a rarity.

In an era where college graduates increasingly leave

school without deciding on a career, Erdmann, a mechanic for

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15 out of Naval Air Station Oceana,

Va., knew from an early age where her career was bringing her.

“The Navy was something that came later, but I was always

into working as a mechanic,” Erdmann said. “I worked on a bunch

of cars in high school. I always enjoyed doing it. It’s been a very

gratifying job.”

For Erdmann and her fellow Sailors with VFA-15, that gratifica-

tion comes from the upkeep of their fleet of 12 jets. With a staff of

only seven mechanics, it can be a very stressful endeavor.

“We do all the troubleshooting on the jets and any other jobs

they may need,” she said. “That could mean performing an engine

removal or removing any other parts that we need to bring into our

shop to fix. We fix whatever is needed.”

It is an important job that requires more than just mechanical

ability, Erdmann noted. “We have to have a good relationship with

the pilots,” she said, “to make sure we’re able to do everything

required of us. We talk to them before and after every flight to

make sure there are no problems.”

The mechanics take the feedback from the pilots and then go

into action, making sure everything is repaired and ready to go for

the plane’s next scheduled flight.

The job will not change much when Erdmann eventually

deploys with USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). “On the ship,

things are just more intense,” Erdmann said. “Equipment breaks

more often, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. The way I see it, no

one else can do this.”

And that’s what she says makes her job in the Navy important.

“Jets won’t fly around here without us,” she said. ”We better do

our job, and do our job right.”

Ludwig is a photojournalist assigned to All Hands.

S t o r y b y J O 2 C h a r l e s L u d w i g , p h o t o b y P H 3 A n t o i n e T h e m i s t o c l e o u s

JetsGetting

intheAirJets

Gettingin

theAir

Eye on the Fleet is a monthly photo feature sponsored by the Chief of Information

Navy Visual News Service. We are looking for high impact, quality photography

from Sailors in the fleet to showcase the American Sailor in action.

43

Eye on the Fleet

A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l42

To be considered, forward your high resolution (5"x 7" at 300 dpi) images with full credit and cutline

information, including full name, rank and duty station. Name all identifiable people within the photo and

include important information about what is happening, where the photo was taken and the date.

Commands with digital photo capability can send attached .jpg files to: [email protected]

Mail your submissions to:

Navy Visual News Service

1200 Navy Pentagon, Rm. 4B 514, Washington, D.C. 20350-1200

For a new Eye on the Fleet every day, click on the Navy NewsStand’s home page,

www.news.navy.mil, for fresh images of your shipmates in action.

� Marines of the Chemical, Biological IncidentResponse Force (CBIRF) from Naval SupportActivity, Indian Head, Md., use a Landing Craft AirCushion (LCAC) to validate various ingress andegress water routes along the Potomac andAnacostia Rivers around Washington, D.C.

P h o t o b y P H 2 C o r e y L e w i s

� During PANAMAX ’04 the guided-missilefrigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) approachesthe Bridge of the Americas at the entrance to

the Pacific Ocean side of the Panama Canal.The bridge is the only permanent structure

joining North and South America.

P h o t o b y P H 2 K e v i n R . T i d w e l l

� Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine ExpeditionaryUnit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) unloadfrom a fleet of buses upon their return to USS Wasp

(LHD 1), after a four-month mission in Afghanistan.

P h o t o b y P H 3 T h e r e s a J . E l l i s o n

� OS3 Jamek Long, an outfielder for the U.S. NavyBaseball Team, slides into third base during the

15th Annual Navy/Marine Corps All-Star BaseballGame held at Petco Park, San Diego.

P h o t o b y P H 2 T i f f i n i M . J o n e s

� A naval aviator assigned to Sea ControlSquadron (VS) 30, conducts a flyby over USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).

P h o t o b y P H 3 J o s h u a K a r s t e n

Eye on the Fleet

A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l44 45

� AN Jose Tello smooths out the paint on the rudder of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

P h o t o b y P H A N R o n R e e v e s

� A young boy is fitted into an explosive ordnancedisposal (EOD) suit by a member of EOD Mobile Unit(EODMU) 8 at the 21st Annual National Night Outevent held at the Marinai Housing CommunityCenter, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

P h o t o b y J O 2 A l l i s o n P i t t a m

� High Speed Vessel (HSV) Swift (HSV 2) moors in Pearl Harbor after participating in Rim

of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004. RIMPAC is thelargest international maritime exercise in the

waters around the Hawaiian Islands.

P h o t o b y J O S N R y a n C . M c G i n l e y

� BU2 Patrick King, a range coach from the 31stSeabee Readiness Group, demonstrates the M136AT-4 rocket launcher to the Seabees Naval Mobile

Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40.

P h o t o b y P H A N J o h n P . C u r t i s

� Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile ConstructionBattalion (NMCB) 23, familiarize themselves withHumvee operations as part of their mobilizationtraining in Port Hueneme, Calif., prior to driving thevehicle.

P h o t o b y J O 2 L e s l i e A . S h i v e l y

Eye on HistoryEye on History is a monthly photo feature sponsored by the Naval Historical Center.

For more photos pertaining to naval history, go to www.history.navy.mil .

U.S. Navy Photos Courtesy of

the Naval Historical Center

J U L Y 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D SJ U L Y 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S 4746 N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 4 • A L L H A N D S

1948 �

In the British sector of Berlin, apetty officer takes a picture of a

Russian soldier standing guard ata monument erected in honor of

Soviets killed during World War II.

� 1952Survivors from the fleet tug USS Sarsi (ATF 111)are brought in to Sasebo, Japan, after Sarsi

struck a mine and sank off of the east coast of Korea.

1952 �

Air Crews at Naval Air Station,Jacksonville, Fla., use the hull of a

sunken Naval Patrol bomber for drills.

� 1965Recruits at Naval Training Center,San Diego learn safety proceduresfor firing rifles.

1943 �A Sailor and his family visit the bond

booth at U.S. Naval Air Station, Seattle.

A L L H A N D S • w w w . n e w s . n a v y . m i l48

The Final Word

Old Man and MeS t o r y a n d p h o t o b y P H 3 T o d d F r a n t o m

When I’m 96 years old, I plan on just trying to get by

from day to day. I really can’t see myself working. I

will more than likely be sitting in a retirement home,

enjoying a peaceful game of scrabble, fishing with my great-

grandson or writing stories about my life. Work would be the last

thing on my mind.

That wasn’t the case with my tailor while I was stationed in

Japan. With an obvious disregard for retirement, at 96 he

continues to take care of

Sailors’ sewing needs, as he

once did for me. The “old

man’s” shop isn’t hard to find.

I found him while I was

stationed on Yokosuka Naval

Base four years ago.

On my first visit, it was

easy to tell his shop had been

there for a very long time. He

was sitting on an old wooden

stool, meticulously laboring

away on a rusted, antique

1950 Singer sewing machine

in a work area the size of a

large closet. His shop was

decorated with many Japanese

and American items, but the

walls were dominated by the petty officer patches and rockers on

the walls representing all the ships of the U.S. 7th Fleet, and even

some ships that no longer exist. There were also many Japanese

manuscripts written in Kanji (Japanese writing) adorning the walls.

Although I was skeptical about his skills and his knowledge of

where to put the patches, I entrusted him with my uniforms. To

my surprise, when I returned to the shop a day later to pick up my

uniforms, my order was placed and sewn perfectly. The old man

had recruited a faithful customer for the rest of my stay in

Yokosuka, Japan.

I never realized how interesting the old man was until I went

back to visit him while working on assignment for All Hands

magazine. During the visit, the old man warmed up to me as he

never did when I was a customer. This time he stopped his work

and moved a pile of Navy uniforms out of the way to reveal an old

dusty box of photographs under the workbench.

I realized then that there was much more to this man than I

originally thought. He had a story to tell. Some of the photos

dated prior to World War II. Because he couldn’t speak English, he

gave me a smile of pride. Even with that simple gesture you could

tell he was pleased with his

life’s work.

The photographs represented

the quilted history of his life.

He had numerous pictures of

family members and his father

working in the same trade. As

he shared more of his photo-

graphs with me it became

apparent that he had several

generations of tailors in his

family. Japanese traditions and

family expectations are strong,

and Kiyoshi Watanabi had spent

his lifetime fine-tuning his

profession to pass it down to

Takao, his son and assistant at

the shop.

This man is older than most of our grandfathers. Heck, he’s

older than many of our great-grandfathers! Yet, day after day he

continues to toil away on his 1950 Singer sewing machine, in the

same location for 67 years. His passion for tailoring must sustain

his happiness. He’s an inspiration to us all.

Kiyoshi Watanabi, better known to me as the “Old Man,” gives

me hope. Hope that I can find a trade I feel passionately enough

about to work at until I am 96. But, more than likely, you’ll find

me at a fishing pond or on a couch.

Frantom is a photojournalist assigned to All Hands.