Deployment Preparedness Links and Information

I have added a new category to my links column (located on right side of the page): Deployment Preparedness

It contains valuable deployment resources and critical emergency information. Below is a summary of my initial links. I will likely add more links to the category as appropriate.

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Deployment Readiness Information and Checklists

Pre Deployment

Contains useful checklists for specific needs (e.g. single sailors, couples, parents) as well as a deployment handbook

During Deployment

Includes information about many services available to Sailors and their families

Return and Reunion

Topics pertain to the lifestyle adjustments post-deployment

Resources

A neatly organized and user-friendly listing of many important sites pertaining to Navy life, pay and finances, emergencies (e.g. American Red Cross, NMCRS), disaster preparedness, veterans' organizations, and much much more.

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On NAF Atsugi's Emergency Management page, the left-hand menu contains the links to NEO forms and checklists. The page also has typhoon readiness information.

The Emergency Management Emergency page contains important local NAF Atsugi emergency phone numbers such as American Red Cross, security, medical, fire department, schools, utilities. It also has a link to the Japan Region Telephone Directory. This is the same phone book that you may have at home. I have also provided convenient access to it at the top of the links, under the "Military Resources" category.

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What is the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System?

Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) standardizes a method for the Navy to account, assess, manage, and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a wide-spread catastrophic event. The NFAAS provides valuable information to all levels of the Navy chain of command, allowing commanders to make strategic decisions which facilitate a return to stability

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The US Embassy Tokyo is located under my "News and Information" heading. The link goes directly to "Warden Messages and ACS Newsletters" because that page contains the latest warnings and information. From there it is easy to navigate to other areas of the embassy's site.

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The links on this blog have been selected not only for general use and travel needs, but to make it easy for you to locate critical information in a timely manner.

Second Navy Family Gram Focuses on Deployment Resources for Families

Story Number: NNS100406-22
Release Date: 4/6/2010 4:10:00 PM

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy released its second monthly Family Gram April 1 describing resources available to assist families of deployed Sailors, demonstrating Navy's continuing commitment to fostering a family support structure which proactively prepares families for Navy life.

"The Navy is committed to providing our families the same high-quality support they provide our Sailors," said Rear Adm. Michael Browne, director of Navy's personal readiness and community support branch. "One way we are meeting that goal is by providing our families with the tools necessary to successfully manage life during deployments and other prolonged separations."

While the Navy has always offered support to families, its programs and services have evolved in recent years to meet the needs of today's deployment cycle to include Sailors serving around the globe as individual augmentees (IAs).

NAVADMIN 120/10 describes and provides information to access about a dozen resources from traditional support structures such as command leadership and ombudsmen to more progressive resources such as the IA Web site and the Family Handbook.

Excerpt. Read more at Navy.mil

GW Departs Yokosuka for 2009 Fall Deployment

Story Number: NNS091007-13
Release Date: 10/7/2009 8:30:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan Oct. 6 for its second annual fall deployment in support of maritime security and to participate in ANNUALEX 2009, the premiere bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Japan.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) recently completed a month-long maintenance and repair period at CFAY after returning from her inaugural summer deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations Sept. 3.

"As we sail back to sea, we look forward to building upon the successes of our inaugural summer deployment fostering strong and positive relationships with numerous global maritime partners throughout the 7th Fleet area of responsibility," said GW's Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman. "The crew of the George Washington and Carrier Air Wing Five enjoy working closely with navies in complex training environments building interoperability and understanding.

Excerpt. Read the full article at Navy.mil.

VAQ-132 Becomes First Operational Growler Squadron Safe for Flight

Story Number: NNS091008-19
Release Date: 10/8/2009 4:14:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 held a flyover and a ceremony marking them as the first operational EA-18G Growler squadron to be designated
"Safe for Flight" on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Oct. 2.

The event marked the culmination of a seven-month training phase for VAQ-132 under the tutelage of VAQ-129, the fleet replacement squadron, as they transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler to the Growler.

Excerpt. Read more at Navy.mil.

Proud Prowler

090905-N-2757S-017 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2009) Family and guests of Sailors stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) observe an air power demonstration from the ship's flight deck. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, hosted a family and guest cruise after returning from her inaugural summer deployment supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeffrey Stewart/Released)

CLICK for high resolution and more photos.

Awesome Launch Photo!

090819-N-5637H-002 MANADO BAY, Indonesia (Aug. 19, 2009) An EA-6B Prowler from The Gauntlets of Electric Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 launches in Manado Bay from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Indonesian International Fleet Review. The event commemorates the 64th anniversary of Indonesian independence. George Washington is the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier and is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific ocean during her inaugural summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John M. Harrington/Released)

Click HERE for source and to download Navy.mil's high resolution image.

Atsugi Security Reinforces Navy Bike Patrol Program

Story Number: NNS090818-09
Release Date: 8/18/2009 5:09:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Allison Pittam, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Physical Security Police enhanced the Navy Bike Patrol Program this year with a new training program that added 21 additional personnel and a night patrol unit.

While NAF Atsugi has had a bike patrol program since 2002, it has not had a certified instructor to train additional personnel. As of 2008, only five Navy bike patrol personnel remained in the department to conduct bike patrol. A change to the program and its capabilities began to take shape last year.

"When I was transferred to Atsugi, the bike patrol program was very undermanned. I worked with security to implement a training program to increase the number of available bike patrol personnel," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeremy Ferguson, who has been a certified bike patrol instructor since 2006.

Excerpt. Read full article at Navy.mil.

NAF Atsugi to See COLA Decrease

Story Number: NNS090812-32
Release Date: 8/12/2009 9:44:00 PM

By Sandra Arnold, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan Public Affairs

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Sailors and Department of Defense employees will see a decrease in the cost of living allowance rate beginning Oct. 1. according to an Aug. 6 Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) message.

"On August 6 PDTATAC principals approved decreases in COLA rates for 11 locations throughout Japan," said Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Gardner, NAF Atsugi. "NAF Atsugi is scheduled to receive a six-point deduction, meaning people can expect to see a loss of approximately $25 per point/per pay period implemented by the end of the year, with changes varying with the member's grade, family status and years of service."

The first adjustment of two points will be effective Oct. 1 and will progress at the rate of two points per month until the six-point adjustment is complete in December.

Excerpt. Read full story at Navy.mil.

GW Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Manila

Story Number: NNS090812-16
Release Date: 8/12/2009 3:21:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group, along with its more than 5,000 Sailors, arrived in the capital city of the Republic of the Philippines Aug. 11 for a scheduled port visit.

USS George Washington (CVN 73) is making its first visit to the Republic of the Philippines and is currently anchored in Manila Bay. This marks the first U.S. aircraft carrier in more than 13 years to make a port visit here.

GW, commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). The Cowpens and Fitzgerald are also anchored in Manila Bay.

Excerpt. Read more at Navy.mil.

USS George Washington Successfully Completes T-FEP

Story Number: NNS090727-16
Release Date: 7/27/2009 5:04:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki and
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dave Reynolds

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors on board USS George Washington (CVN 73) successfully completed a Tailored-Final Evaluation Problem (T-FEP) July 23, receiving an overall grade of excellent.

Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP) was on board George Washington for several days evaluating and training GW's shipboard training teams on their ability to effectively instruct and test Sailors on all aspects of fighting the ship, including combating actual damage control casualties, properly training new repair locker members, and numerous levels of technical training.

Due to the unique environment the Navy operates in, shipboard Sailors must be ready to fight the ship and be able to combat a fire or a damage control situation at any time, day or night. ATGWP tested that integration of effort.

Excerpt. Read the full article at Navy.mil.

Coalition Partners Enhance Interoperability During Talisman Saber Air Exercises

Story Number: NNS090724-27
Release Date: 7/24/2009 3:58:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John J. Mike

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Australian service members embarked aboard USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) for Exercise Talisman Saber 09 (TS09) are working side-by-side with U.S. Sailors to enhance air operations July 22.

TS09 gives GW Carrier Strike Group and Australian forces a chance to improve their working relationship as strong allies in the Pacific region, said Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Neill Bell, the Australian liaison officer for GW.

"The most important thing about TS09 is it lets Australia strengthen its ties with the Navy and increase interoperability through the sharing of knowledge," said Bell, one of seven Australian military personnel currently embarked on board the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

Excerpt. Read full story at Navy.mil.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group Begins Talisman Saber

Story Number: NNS090716-09
Release Date: 7/16/2009 4:43:00 PM

From USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, began participating in Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09) July 13.

TS09, a biennial exercise hosted by the Australian Defense Force, is designed to enhance combat readiness while maintaining the highest levels of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

"With both nations dedicated to enhancing security and stability in the region, Talisman Saber 2009 provides us with the unique opportunity to train together across the full spectrum of missions from high-end combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," said Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of Battle Force 7th Fleet. "The end result is the enhanced efficiency that comes from extensive interoperability among our joint military services."

Excerpt. Read full article at Navy.mil.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron "Chargers" Celebrate Silver Anniversary

Story Number: NNS090711-03
Release Date: 7/11/2009 8:43:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Olivia R. Giger, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 "Chargers" celebrated 25 years of service in the fleet July 10, while deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).

HS-14 has performed missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to search and rescue (SAR) operations for the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier George Washington.

"HS-14's primary mission is submarine defense of the inner aircraft carrier zone," said Lt. Chris Stevens, HS-14's assistant operations officer. "We're the last line of defense against submarines."

Excerpt. Read full article at Navy.mil.

New Navy ‘cammies’ trickle into fleet

By Travis J. Tritten, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, July 4, 2009

SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — Strange blue "cammies" are showing up here and there at bases overseas.

Those servicemembers aren’t from a visiting military. They’re wearing the Navy’s newest wardrobe addition.

An updated Navy working uniform has been under development for some time and is now on exchange shelves — and sailors — in the United States.

But don’t expect to buy it off the rack this summer or next summer in Japan, Guam and Europe. Sailors in those areas must wait until October 2010, according to the schedule published in a Navy-wide bulletin.

Excerpt. Read the full article at Stripes.com.

5000 US sailors on USS George Washington prepare for Perth

Todd Cardy, on USS Cowpens
July 02, 2009 09:00am

GIANT US Navy aircraft carrier, the nuclear-powered USS George Washington, anchored off Fremantle today for a five-day visit.

The near 88,000-tonne ship, which carries about 5000 crew, has sailed into an Australian port for the first time and will take part later this month in war games between US and Australian forces.

USS George Washington replaced the USS Kitty Hawk last September as the command of the East Asia-Pacific Region and it is based at America's military port at Yokosuka, Japan.

Excerpt. Continue reading at Perth Now.

GW Anchors Off Fremantle, Prepares for First Australian Port Visit

Story Number: NNS090702-11
Release Date: 7/2/2009 2:09:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dave Reynolds

FREMANTLE, Australia (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, anchored off the coast of Fremantle, Australia, as the USS Cowpens (CG 63) steamed into port July 2 to begin a scheduled five-day port visit.

This is GW's first Australian port visit in its nearly 17-year history and the first port visit of GW's inaugural summer deployment since replacing the USS Kitty Hawk last September. The ship, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and their combined crew of nearly 5,000 Sailors departed their forward-deployed port at Yokosuka, Japan, June 10.

Excerpt. Read full article at Navy.mil.

Navy to separate 15 sailors in drug probe

By Erik Slavin, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, July 3, 2009

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The Navy is separating 15 USS George Washington sailors as it intensifies efforts to discourage the use and distribution of several off-limits drugs sold legally in Japan, officials said Tuesday.

Spice, touted by some as an alternative to marijuana because it is not illegal under U.S. federal law, and several other substances were named in a June 25 order signed by Rear Adm. Richard Wren, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan. The order clarifies and extends a 2005 order from the secretary of the Navy that banned use of designer drugs, natural substances and chemicals "with the intent to induce intoxication, excitement or stupefaction of the central nervous system."

Excerpt. Read the full article at Stripes.com.

USS George Washington takes off on first summer deployment from Japan

From USS George Washington Public Affairs

The Carrier Strike Group centered around the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan for its first annual summer deployment June 10.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group with more than 5,000 Sailors, is also comprised of 7th Fleet’s Forward Deployed Naval Forces veterans: Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5; Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

George Washington, commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, replaced the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) last September as the flagship for the permanently forward deployed carrier strike group.

Excerpt. Read the full article and more in the July edition of Atsugi's Skywriter.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits Available to Navy Members

Story Number: NNS090630-11
Release Date: 6/30/2009 4:43:00 PM

By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of Naval Personnel announced on June 23, specific guidance detailing eligibility and benefits, including transferability for the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act, or GI Bill.

With college prices soaring, the new GI Bill supporting veterans education, signed into law June 2008, has the potential to make advanced education more affordable to Sailors and their families. Sailors should consider GI Bill eligibility when planning their Navy career and family education needs.

Excerpt. Read full article at Navy.mil.

Tests confirm servicemember in Japan contracted swine flu

By David J. Carter, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, June 20, 2009

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan — The U.S. military in Japan’s first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, was discovered last week at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, U.S. Forces Japan officials said Thursday.

The servicemember entered Japan through Narita Airport on June 8, but showed no H1N1 symptoms until June 11, officials said. USFJ officials would not identify the servicemember due to privacy reasons.

Excerpt. Read full article at Stripes.com.