Essential Comms: New Leaders Take Helm at Region Installations

Region Spotlight: Summer Tips

Around the Region: Phoenix Express 2012

Big Navy News: 2011 Sailors of the Year Advanced to Chief Petty Officer

Tips for Summer

REGION STANDARD June 2012 Issue 18

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E s s e n t i a l C o m m s

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -- Camp Lemonnier hosted a change of command ceremony, May 15. Capt. Kevin Bertelsen relieved Capt. Scott Hurst as commanding officer of the United States’ only forward operating site in Africa. “It’s my great privilege to take the helm of this dynamic, challenging and ever evolving enterprise,” said Bertelsen. “It’s very exciting to see such remarkable positive change and the expanded capa-bilities here even during my short seven months away.” Capt. Hurst oversaw a period of expo-nential growth in mission support, includ-ing a $170 million military construction project list, since June last year when he assumed command. “Scott Hurst will go down in the his-tory of this camp as the commander who turned the corner on operations that drove the camp, to the camp which supported future operations,” said Rear Adm. Michael Franken,the commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. Capt. Hurst took time to recognize the uniqueness of Camp Lemonnier. “I can say with some level of confi-dence that there is not a more ‘joint’ base anywhere in the world,” said Hurst. “A Navy base, protected by an Army force, with a predominately Air Force aviation mission.”

Hail LT Kaysie Dagget, N3

LT Christopher Friedrich, N3

CSCS Carrey Jones, N0

Ms. Krista McKnight, N8

Ms. Margret O’Grady, N8

FarewellCAPT Rodney Dewalt, N3

PS2 Luxon Molina, N1

Camp Lemonnier Hosts Change of CommandCamp Lemonnier Public Affairs

Capt. Bertelsen is a native of Sac-ramento, CA. He holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from Ohio State University, and a Masters in Organizational Development and Leadership from St. Joseph’s Univer-sity. He was commissioned in 1987 and earned his flight wings in 1991. Capt. Bertelsen served in several commands while he was on active duty. His commands include Carrier Airwing 6, Patrol Squadron 9 and Navy Personnel Command. He was deployed for counter-drug operations in the Western Carib-bean and Maritime surveillance, anti-sub-marine and anti-piracy interdiction patrols in the Persian Gulf. In 1998, Capt. Bertelsen transfered to the Navy Reserve and has since

served at numerous commands includ-ing Afloat Training Group Mayport, U. S. Joint Forces Command 206, Tactical Support Center 389, Pacific Fleet 320, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command 194 and Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa. Capt. Bertelsen served as a member of the Commander, Naval Reserve Force 2002/2003/2004 Policy Boards, the 2002 REDCOM Mid-Atlantic Policy Board, and as the 5th District Vice President for the Naval Reserve Association. Capt. Ber-telsen was the first Commander to serve as a voting member of the Naval Re-serve National Command/Senior Officer Screening Board in FY 05. Capt. Bertelsen’s personal decora-tions include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Naval and Marine Corp Com-mendation Medal (3 awards), the Naval and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit, campaign and deployment awards. Capt. Bertelsen assumed command of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti in May 2012.

Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

New Leaders Take Helm at Region InstallationsNSA Souda Bay,Greece

Captain Kevin Bertelsen

Captain James Gibson

Captain Gibson was born in Stuttgart, West Germany and grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. He is a graduate of Boise State University, attended Aviation Officer Candidate School, and earned his wings in 1991. Capt. Gibson reported for his initial squadron tour with Fleet Air Reconnais-sance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) and has served in multiple command since. His commands include the On-Site Inspec-tion Agency in Washington DC, USS Constellation (CV 64), the National Reconnaissance Office, Naval Person-nel Command, Industrial College of the

Armed Forces, Chief of Naval Opera-tion’s Staff, Command Task Group (CTG) 57.1, CTG 72.5 and Combined Task Force 56. Capt. Gibson has been deployed to the Arabian Gulf and supported opera-tions Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He was also the U.S. Government represent-ative and final authority on all aspects of the Open Skies Treaty and observation mission. Capt. Gibson’s personal awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meri-torious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Joint Com-mendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and service awards. Capt. Gibson assumed command of Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece in May 2012.

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Summer Tips

Sun Protection - UV rays from the sun can penetrate thin clouds and haze causing skin damage such as burns. - Avoid long sun exposure regardless of skin pigmenta-tion. - Sunscreen should be reapplied by package recom-mendation and always after swimming or perspiring heav-ily during exercise. - Sunscreen should protect against both types of UV rays, UV-A and UV-B. - Shade only provides partial protection from the sun’s rays.

Designate a Sober Driver - Everyday almost 30 people in the U.S die in alcohol related vehicle crashes which is approximately one every 45 minutes. - Injuries that occur from alcohol related crashes happen every five minutes. - Alcohol is related in one-third of all vehicle accidents, and drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) between .05 and .10 are 11 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers who are sober. - If you are going to be driving don’t drink at all. The BAC limits throughout the region are below limits set in the U.S. and they are strictly enforced. You may not feel drunk or even buzzed, but still be over the legal limit for your host country. - Designate a sober driver in advance or arrange for a ride prior to drinking. - Use local-area safe drive initiatives such as tipsy taxi or safe drive programs to get home safe.

Mold Prevention Mold gradually destroys the things it grows on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth. - Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water. Dry the surface completely. - Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied to moldy surfaces is likely to peel. - Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. - If you are unsure about how to clean an item, which may have sentimental value or be expensive, contact a specialist. Avoid Heat Illnesses

- Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing. - Drink plenty of water. - Take regular breaks. - Eat small meals - Avoid strenuous physical training during red and black flag conditions. (Contact an installation’s quarterdeck for information)

Recognize Heat Illness Know how to recognize the three most common types of heat-related illness: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. - Heat stroke, the most severe heat-related illness, can be fatal. Symptoms include a temperature as high as 105 degrees; hot, red, and dry skin; a rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. - As first aid for a heat stroke, call your local emergency number immediately. Wrap damp sheets around the victim and start fanning them. Wrap cold packs in a cloth and place them on the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck. - Victims of heat exhaustion will have a normal tem-perature, but will have other symptoms: cool, moist, pale skin; heavy sweating; headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness.

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A r o u n d T h e R e g i o n

Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe

Phoenix Express 2012 Begins in Souda Bay

SOUDA BAY, Crete - OS3 Craig Sperry, left, a boarding team member assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56), climbs aboard the training ship Aris under the supervision of a member of the Hellenic Navy special forces during a training exercise at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012, May 12. Photo by MC1 Brian Goyak.

Sailors Participate in CPO 365 at NSA Naples

(VIDEO)

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

SOUDA BAY, Crete - Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12), a multi-national exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. naval forces, officially kicked off at the NATO Maritime Interdic-tion Operation Training Center (NMIOTC) in Souda Bay, May 7. Phoenix Express is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations to help increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea. “This is the seventh year for Phoenix Express, and it is one of four African regional ´Express´ series exercises that are designed to test skills obtained from participating in bilateral and Africa Partnership Station (APS) training in a re-gional maritime exercise,” said Lt. Chase Ackerman, PE12 exercise planner. “One of the goals of PE12 is to build communi-cation between North African and Euro-pean partners so that there is a stronger united force in the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, the training provided will help enhance maritime security.” Participating and observing countries in PE12 include Algeria, Canada, Croa-tia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States.

NAPLES, Italy - Rear Adm. Anthony Gaiani, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia presents a command coin to Suze Orman prior to her presentation to Naples area service members, May 22. Photo by MC1 Jack Georges.

NAPLES, Italy - Chief Petty Officer Terry Eady competes in the 100-meter dash during the Armed Forces Olympics, May 18. Photo by MC1 Jack Georges.

NSA Naples Prepares to Use New UHV Firefighting Vehicle

NAPLES, Italy - The Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Fire Department conducted training on their new firefight-ing vehicle described as a Ultra High-Pressure, all-terrain Vehicle (UHV), May 9. Because the UHV is much smaller and faster than traditional fire trucks, officials claim the UHV is an efficient alternative for combating fires in areas with limited access where full size vehicles cannot get to. The UHV has six wheels, towing capability and room to carry a driver and a passenger. The UHV can reach a top speed of 65 mph and has its own water pump that can carry 100 gallons of water and 10 gallons of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or other solutions. “The UHV is a new concept for the military,” said Roland Hesmondhalgh III,

Medal of Honor Recipient Visits Souda Bay

(VIDEO)

OEIRAS, Portugal - Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and Commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO, commemorated the arrival of the NATO command to its new loca-tion during a ceremony, May 17. The ceremony was held at the historic San Julião da Barra Fort. Vice Adm. Pandolfe thanked his new hosts for their support for the move. “We are grateful to the government of Portu-gal for their support of this move and for hosting Striking Force NATO in Lisbon. Making that happen requires leadership - provided today by the government of Portugal in welcoming us to this beautiful compound.”

NSA Naples fire chief. “We don’t always need something big to go to all the emer-gencies. It’s a fast-attack vehicle we can load up that will get us to where we want to go as fast as we can to take care of business.”

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Striking Force NATO Arrives in Lisbon

Financial Expert Suze Orman Speaks in Naples

(VIDEO)

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B i g N a v y N e w s

Naval Academy Conducts Sea Trials for First Year

Midshipmen (VIDEO)

2011 Sailors of the Year Advanced to Chief Petty Officer

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. - Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), which oversees Navy postal operations, an-nounced May 11, it is providing guidance to the fleet about new United States Postal Service (USPS) prohibitions re-garding lithium batteries. According to the USPS announce-ment, beginning May 16, mail to or from APOs/FPOs are prohibited from contain-ing lithium or products containing lithium.

WASHINGTON - The four 2011 Navy Sailor’s of the Year cut their cake with Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West following their advancement ceremony, May 17. Photo by MC2 Thomas Rosprim.

Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON - The Navy’s 2011 Sailors of the Year (SOY) were meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial, May 17. “Anchors are earned, not given,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West, providing a reminder of the excellence SOYs must demonstrate to reach this level. “These Sailors have taken the hard jobs, proven

SMYRNA, Tenn.- Marine Capt. Brandon Cordill, Blue Angel left wingman, performs a looping maneuver in an F/A-18 Hornet during a practice flight demonstration at The Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tenn., May 11. Photo by MC2 Andrew Johnson.

themselves as profession-als, are experts in their rates, have led by example and will continue to mentor the Navy’s future ... our Sailors.” Every SOY cited leader-ship as the biggest learning point in the Navy, along with trust in one’s Sailors and integrity. “Ultimately it is my Sailors who got me here,” said Chief Steelworker Louis F. Salazar, U.S. Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year, “But it was my job to provide them guidance, men-torship and leadership.”

NAVSUP Announces Lithium Battery Mailing Prohibited by USPS

The prohibition also applies to interna-tional mail. The prohibition is in effect pending further USPS review of investi-gations for safety. “Customers should understand that postal clerks at these locations have been instructed to question patrons and check customs labels for any declara-tions of lithium batteries or electronic equipment to determine whether lithium batteries are in the shipment,” said NAV-SUP Navy Postal Subject Matter Expert Tom Rittle. “Upon identification of pack-ages containing lithium batteries, custom-ers will have the option to remove the batteries or not mail the package.” The prohibition applies regardless of quantity, size, watt-hours, and whether the cells or batteries are packed in equip-ment, with equipment, or without equip-ment. For more information about the prohi-bition, see USPS Postal Bulletin 22336 HERE. NAVSUP Corporate Communications

NAVADMIN 164/12, released May 18, announced the chief of naval operations’ (CNO) approval of a number of changes to uniforms and uniform wear policy which include:

• The contemporary design for Service Dress Khaki (SDK) is approved for optional wear. Detailed guidance on the occasion for wear and Fleet avail-ability will be announced in a future NAVADMIN

• An improved design of the male E1-E6 Service Dress Blue Uniform, incorporating a side zipper on the jumper and a hidden center zipper on the trousers, is approved. The uniform is scheduled to begin distri-bution to the fleet in 2018.

• The E1-E6 men’s and women’s Ser-vice Dress White jumper approved design improvements include incor-porating a side zipper, front and rear yoke, Navy blue piping on the flap, and sleeve cuffs with Navy blue pip-ing and button fasteners. The uniform is scheduled to begin distribution to the fleet in 2018.

• NWU policy is the option to wear a nametape on the left shoulder pocket flap of the NWU Type I Parka, begin-ning July 17. Nametapes will become mandatory Oct 1, 2013

Navy Announces New Uniform Components, Regulations

Navy Personnel Command

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NAPLES, Italy - People carry in their lives the indelible impressions and experiences of their forefathers. Stories passed down family lines serve to shape the values of new generations. Mike Fain is part of a family of U.S. Marines whose stories of service charac-terize a legacy of commitment. Mike is more than a financial manage-ment analyst for Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia’s comptroller team. At home here in Naples, Italy, he’s a devoted husband of 22 years, proud father of four, and Marine at heart. Mike’s father, retired Gunnery Sgt. Evan Fain Jr., served in the Corps for 30 years and retired Gunnery Sgt. Evan Fain III, his brother, served 20 years. His sister Janet Farley is the spouse of a retired U.S. Army Signal Corps officer and a noted author of seven books and numerous lifestyle columns on military spouse employment issues. “The Marine Corps has given us everything we have,” said Mike. “There’s nothing greater than serving country because there’s a lot who have given the ultimate sacrifice to give us what we’ve got.” Mike recalled going to school in the Vietnam War era and how it became common for a friend’s absence from school to signify the loss of a parent in the conflict. Evan Jr., Mike’s dad, instilled in the family a solemn regard for veter-ans who died in battle. “Memorial Day was always sacred in our household,” said Mike. In late 1950, Evan Jr. lost close bud-

A Family Legacy of ServiceStory by Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs. Photos courtesy of the Fain family

dies in the Korean War as a member of the 1st Marine Divi-sion during the Cho-sin Reservoir Cam-paign. He landed on Inchon, South Korea more than 60 years ago and proceeded north to the ‘Frozen Chosin,’ a location in North Korea where sub-freezing condi-tions contributed to casualties and weapon malfunctions. After arriving at the Chosin Reservoir, Evan Jr.’s division and United Nations forces found themselves encircled by op-posing Chinese troops. However, though they were outnumbered, United Nations forces managed to break through the encirclement, inflict heavy losses on the enemy, and evacuate from North Korea. “[My father] said something to me on his death bed and I didn’t pickup on it until later. He said that he’d lived a great life, and he said that he’d lived a lot more life than other people. And he was refer-ring to his buddies that died [at Chosin].” Mike’s father isn’t the only Fain to have lost a buddy. When two suicide bombers struck U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, Mike’s brother Evan III lost a close friend. The attack killed 241 American personnel and injured 60, including Evan who was knocked out by one of the blasts and suffered a broken arm. “My brother was in the Beirut barracks when it went down,” said Mike. “The only thing [Evan III] really remembers and holds in his heart is the night before.” According to Mike, Evan and a best friend switched duty shifts the night before. Because of the switch, his brother wasn’t standing duty on the lobby-level floor of the building where a truck loaded with explosives was detonated. “Evan’s buddy opened up that morn-ing and he got killed,” said Mike. Evan was medically evacuated to Cyprus. The broken arm healed and he continued to serve. As for Mike, he’s approaching 40 years of government service that began

in 1973 at age 17 in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed eight years in the Corps as a radio operator and admin-istrative clerk and then exchanged his uniform for civilian clothes. He’s served in government for 31 years since. Earlier this year, Navy Region Com-mander Rear Adm. Anthony Gaiani rec-ognized Mike as his staff’s 2011 Civilian of the Year. His exceptional character, work ethic, and performance of finan-cial and resource management duties at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti – the lone established U.S. military base in Africa – stood out. “Mike’s a Marine. He has a great at-titude,” said Region Deputy Comptroller Troy Terronez. “We have about 150 [per-sonnel on our team]. You take those 150 folks, and Mike is the cream of the crop.” Mike says that he won’t stop serving any time soon. “It makes me feel good. That’s what it’s all about,” he explained. “It’s about the camaraderie, the motiva-tion in the mission, and everyone going in the same direction.” The Fain family certainly seems to be headed in the same direction. Mike’s grandson Storm Grandon, 18, is scheduled to report for U.S. Marine Corps recruit training in June. His 17-year-old son John is consider-ing a commissioned officer career in the military once he graduates from Naples High School in June and earns a college degree. John is slated to attend the Uni-versity of Dubuque, Iowa this fall. The desire to serve and sacrifice in the Fain family runs deep.

Above- Mike, his youngest daughter Lizzy, son John and wife Renee.Below- Mike’s brther Evan (left), dad Evan Jr, and Mike.