By 1st Lt. Clark Chen1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command3/13/2017 — Th e 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment based in Okinawa received fi ve Command Post of the Future computers in January. Th e addition of these systems will bring the command and control structure of the unit into the 21st century. According to the developer, the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) is a program and physical system that processes and displays combat and map information onto an easy to use graphic interface and integrates diff erent Army systems at the battalion and above ech-elons and is an offi cial part of the Army’s network, LandWarNet.

Th e CPOF also allows Soldiers to access the Army’s Joint Battle Com-mand-Platform, which tracks friendly and enemy forces. Th e Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AF-ATDS), used for comprehensive fi re support capabilities is also included, further enhancing the capabilities that a commander has at their disposal. Th e system was developed with the ultimate goal of information dominance through collaborative and distributed command and control. Soldiers and leaders of 1-1 ADA will be able to use the CPOF to coordinate their movements, routes, and situational reports via graphical user interface, while maintaining situational awareness of the current environment.

READ RIDE PAGE 2

SEE 1-1 ADA PAGE 3^Spc. Ashton Andrade and Spc. Aaron Morris, tactical planner workstation operators, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, show the different types of maps that can be displayed on the Command Post of the Future.

Motorcycle riders refresh their skills on a handling course during an 18th Wing annual motorcycle safety brief March 9, at Kadena Air Bas. The Green Knights chapter 138 set up a skills test course to help riders improve their bike handling capabilities and to reinforce safety standards.

(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Clark Chen)

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

1-1 ADA sustains the Force with Command Post of the Future

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Published by Eight Co., Ltd. a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 18th Wing. The civilian en-terprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Contents of Samurai Gate are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Depart-ment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political af-filiation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For commercial advertising, inquiry, send an email to info@samuraigate.jp

Offi cial Kadena Air Base inquiries: 18wg.papublicaffairs@us.af.mil DSN:634-3813

RIDE FROM PAGE 1By Staff Sgt. Peter Reft18th Wing Public Affairs3/13/2017 — Wing Safety and the mil-itary motorcycle club Green Knights chapter 138 held an 18th Wing annual motorcycle safety brief for military and civilian riders March 9 at the Keystone Th eater and Base Exchange parking lot. Members of the Green Knights rein-forced motorcycle standards by covering topics such as vehicle accidents, riding gear, traffi c laws, weather conditions, and mentorship programs. Aft er the brief, Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructors and Green Knights members took riders to a skills practice range to refresh and improve their bike handling abilities. “Th is kind of hands-on event is

extremely important because as riders do continuously ride they can get com-placent and feel they are fi ne, but what they are actually losing could be those emergency braking and swerve skills they have not had to use in daily riding,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacoby Bruner, Green Knights chapter 138 pres-ident. “Th is is also a good time for riders to build off one another’s skills by doing the practice course.” In addition to helping riders refresh their safety and riding knowledge, leaders emphasized the importance of camaraderie and taking advantage of mentorship opportunities. Diff erent ele-ments of the safety brief enabled Airmen to be better at minimizing the dangers of riding and preventing avoidable injuries,

which can disable their warfi ghting ability. “Events like today are designed to emphasize safe riding practices, create camaraderie with other riders, and to enhance sound risk management prin-ciples,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jeremiah Carpenter, 18th Wing Safety superinten-dent. “Th e time and resources we invest into motorcycle training is designed to prevent mishaps, safeguard Airmen, and preserve combat readiness.” Th e Green Knights military motorcy-cle club is a non-profi t organization with more than 130 groups at military bases worldwide, and chapter 138 was sanc-tioned by the 18th Wing commander in 2016. Th ey work with Wing Safety and Security Forces to help riders adhere to

federal, state, and local regulations while addressing the needs and concerns of military-affi liated riders through con-tinuous education, safety knowledge, and community involvement. “Motorcycle mentorship is a crucial element of any successful motorcycle safety program, and it is a two-way street because not only can less experienced riders learn from seasoned riders, but riders with vast experience also can learn from novices as well,” said Carpenter. “Th at is why mentorship clubs like the Green Knights are so important.” For more information on motorcycle mentorship and events, contact Mo-torcycle Safety at 634-2450 or fi nd the Okinawa-based Green Knights on social media as “Green Knights MMC Ch 138.”

A combat control Airman from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, and U.S. Marine Corps marine joint terminal attack controllers from the 5th Air Naval Gunfi re Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, call in close air support March 10, at the Irisuna Jima Training Range, Okinawa. Members of the 320th STS and III MEF frequently training together to in order to maintain an understanding of each other’s practices and capabilities. Combat control Airmen and JTAC Marines are experts at calling in air support in hostile, complex environments.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

Air Force, Navy, Marine service members practice combat control

By Airman 1st ClassCorey Pettis18th Wing Public Affairs3/13/2017 — Th e Post Offi ce can be an overlooked step in the in/out-processing grind, but it is im-portant to remember to stop by. Military members and Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status personnel with orders to Kadena who live on- and off -base are allowed to register a P.O. box for their personal and offi cial mail. With summer coming around, peak PCS season is upon us. A large amount of people will be coming and going, so it is im-portant that military members and their families have a place for their mail to be safely and properly delivered. Additionally, there needs to be suffi cient room to register those incoming mem-bers with their boxes. If P.O. boxes are not closed out before leaving the island, important documents could take longer to get to the correct ad-dress, they could get lost, or they could be returned to the sender. Th e Post Offi ce has a unique way of fi nding which P.O. boxes are not being used. Colored slips of paper and placed into each box quarterly, and if paper

is not removed, the box is then de-registered. “Post Offi ce workers also regularly check each box see if mail has been sitting for a long time every 30 days,” said Master Sgt. Ashunta Taylor, 18 Commu-nications Squadron postmaster. “If it has been there a long time, our workers will attempt to reach the individual. If they cannot be reached, that individual’s chain of command will be contacted to either see if they have PCS’d or to

tell them to pick up their mail.” Th e process to de-register a mailbox is simple: just clear out your box and stop by the customer service area and fi ll out the out-processing forms. “It’s a fairly simple process and quick process,” said Senior Airman Calvin Cook, 18th Com-munications Squadron postal clerk. “Taking care of this on time makes everything go smoother.” For more information, you can call the Post Offi ce at 634-2155.

^Senior Airman Calvin Cook, 18th Communications Squadron postal clerk, fi les member’s P.O. Box information at the Kadena Air Base Post Offi ce March 13, on Kadena Air Base.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey Pettis)

One box you can’t take with you

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By Senior AirmanJohn Linzmeier18th Wing Public Affairs3/13/2017 — Airmen and aircraft from Kadena’s 67th Fighter Squadron, 909th Air Refueling Squadron, 961st Airborne Air Control Squad-ron, and 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron returned to Kadena aft er participating in the 88th iteration of Exercise Cope North. Th e exercise was held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Exercise Cope North Guam aims to cultivate regional ties and seeks to enhance the U.S. Air Force’s interoperability with allied forces in the Pacifi c. Th e bilateral exercise is designed to enhance joint operational capa-bility alongside 22 fl ying units from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Royal Australian Air Force, and the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. With more than 2,700 per-sonnel and 100 aircraft , Cope North challenged partner forces to integrate their local capabili-ties with other friendly units. “Large exercises are the best opportunity for us to train to our primary mission,” said Lt. Col. Michael Adams, 961st Airborne Air Control Squad-ron exercise commander. “Our home station training provides the building blocks we need to conduct major combat opera-tions, but it’s only at exercises

like Cope North that we get to bring it all together and fi ght through the chaos and com-plexity we would face in battle.” Daily combat scenarios were held to develop fi ghting tactics and war-fi ghting integration. Fighter airframes, such as the F-15 Eagles from the 67th FS teamed up with allied aircraft to simulate fi ghts against F-16 Fighting Falcons from Misawa Air Base, and Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Command and control and tanker assets also played a vital role in each leg of the training. KC-135 Stratotankers from the 909th ARS provided aerial refueling to both friendlies and

‘opponents’ alike, nearly dou-bling the in-air training time. Th e 909th ARS fl ew 23 sor-ties and offl oaded more than 1.1 million lbs. of fuel to 180 receivers during the training, ensuring that Airmen remain ready to support U.S. partners in a wartime scenario. “Th is was a great opportuni-ty for us to learn, especially for the younger Airmen who have never deployed before,” said Capt. Joseph Schmerber, 909th ARS pilot and exercise planner. “I’ve deployed six times and can defi nitely say this is what it’s like when we fl y out there. We all gained a tremendous amount of knowledge to take

back to the home unit and I’m confi dent that also applies to everyone who participated in Cope North.” Th is year’s iteration of Cope North also included aeromedi-cal evacuation training among Airmen from each nation to enhance their ability to work together when providing humanitarian aid for natural disasters. Th e 18th AES practiced life-saving skills by transport-ing and caring for simulated patients on each other’s air-craft . Th e medical training was designed to make aeromedical evacuation operations more fl exible and profi cient while working with counterparts and their foreign platforms. “It was a great exercise,” said Capt. Warren Carter, 18th AES fl ight evaluator from Kadena Air Base. “Not only did we have the capability to do our interop-erability training, but we also built some good friendships and partnerships. Th is is just the start of greater things to happen; not only in the exercise but ac-tually in real-world missions.” While each unit has their own specialized mission set, participating Airmen from all backgrounds were involved in building friendships and partnerships to form a stronger alliance and promote peace and stability throughout the Indo-Asia Pacifi c.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

^An Force F-15 Eagle from the 67th Fighter Squadron receives an infl ight refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron March 6, en route to Kadena Air Base. Both Squadrons returned to Kadena after spending three weeks training with Australian and Japanese partners for exercise Cope North at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Cope North: Mission accomplished “Th ough the CPOF concept is not new, the capabilities it will bring is a fresh upgrade to what we have now and will completely change the dynamic of how the Snake Eyes Battalion views and processes tactical information,” said 1st Lt. Samuel R. Wineland, communications (S6) section offi cer-in-charge, 1-1 ADA. Th e unique drag-and-drop interface of the CPOF encourag-es warfi ghters to customize the information they see on screen. Once fully implemented, the CPOF will also allow diff erent means of satellite-driven, text based communication with operators in the fi eld, adding to the unit capabilities in remote locations. While the image of an immobile command post with multiple systems and computers everywhere slowly disappears from the battlefi eld, there are still questions about how quickly the unit will be able to integrate with the system. “Th ere will be a lot of training required to ensure that we are able to capture the full potential of the CPOF system,” answered Chief Warrant Offi cer 2 Bran-don L. Dosch, information systems services technician, 1-1 ADA, when asked about the implementation of the program. “Th e change won’t be overnight but we have to start somewhere.” Th e Snake Eyes Battalion has already signed up Soldiers to at-tend a training class on the system and will have all leaders trained as the program becomes active.

1-1 ADA FROM PAGE 1

(U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Quay Drawdy)

^Staff Sgt. Stephen Baudo, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propul-sion craftsman, walks toward a F100/220 engine March 10, at Kadena Air Base. Engines are tested in a building specially designed to reduce the noise produced during testing by uti-lizing thick walls and advanced architecture.

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Airmen assigned to the 18th Component Maintenance Squadron research inspection limits March 10, at Kadena Air Base. Ensuring every part of the engine is ready and safe is of the highest priority when it comes to keeping the mission moving.

Staff Sgt. Donovan Walters, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman, performs an engine test March 10, at Kadena Air Base. Units are tested for a variety of reasons, particularly when major components have been replaced. This testing helps to run new parts through the old system for functionality.

^

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^Members of Team Kadena visit the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Individual Protective Equipment Shop to turn in equipment March 13, at Kadena Air Base. The IPE Shop issues equipment such as gas masks, sleeping bags and tactical vests to Airmen for training purposes and deployments.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Clark, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management technician, inspects individual protective equipment March 13, at Kadena Air Base. Clark and other reservist Airmen from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are temporarily working in the 18th LRS’s IPE Shop as part of their annual overseas assignment.

(U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

IPE Airmen keep Kadena ready

^

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By Senior AirmanNick Emerick18th Wing Public Affairs3/13/2017 — Heavy machinery lumbered around, piloted by U.S. Air Force Airmen, U.S. Navy Seabees, and U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers during an exercise which included the repair of a mock-up of an airfi eld in Kadena Air Base’s munitions storage area. Th e exercise took place March 2-3, allowing members of the three services to demon-strate their capabilities. “We conducted a two-day exercise alongside the Air Force and Navy to simulate the repair of a damaged airfi eld for a BRAT

(basic recovery aft er attack) scenario; which involved a 40-ft crater, small hole repair, aircraft arresting systems, and airfi eld lighting,” said Marine Corps 1st Lt. Kyle Stackhouse, the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 combat engineer platoon com-mander. According to Stackhouse, the joint exercise is a great learning and sharing experience because it allows the combat engineers to demonstrate the way they conduct repairs and learn from the procedures used by their sister services. “Working in a joint environ-ment has meant spending most of my time in the military being

able to work hand in hand with other branches, allowing us to explore entirely diff erent ranges of capabilities,” said Marine Corps Warrant Offi cer Nathan Stuhr, the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 offi cer in charge of explosive ordinance disposal. Th e three services worked side by side, trading both conversation and diff erent ap-proaches to the same problems, bolstering the other’s ability to accomplish tasks in any situa-tion, planned or otherwise. “It’s all about working togeth-er to make sure that everyone is operating with the same goals in mind, so as we go forward in a wartime environment there

is an increase in effi ciency and mission eff ectiveness,” said Stuhr. According to Stackhouse, working in a multi-service

environment was an enriching and enjoyable experience for his platoon and learning from both Air Force and Navy repair techniques was rewarding.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nick Emerick)

(U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Quay Drawdy)

More than one way to fill a hole

Fixing any and all: vehicle maintenance

^Airman 1st Class Cameron Pinkerton, a 18th Civil Engineer Group pavement maintenance and heavy equipment operator, uses a sweeper to clear rocks from a simulated repaired runway at the munitions storage area of Kadena Air Base, March 3.

^A damaged hydraulic hose was removed from a dump truck March 13, at Kadena Air Base. Scuffs, scratches and continues rubbing, paired with incred-ibly high pressure per square inch, can lead to dangerous hydraulic line failure. The 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron takes care to ensure that these ma-chines are not out of service long, keeping the Kadena mission moving forward.

Airman 1st Class Andrew Grady, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron special purpose vehicle maintainer, checks for fl uid leaks on a government vehicle March 13, at Kadena Air Base. Attention to detail is critical when working with government vehicles. The 18th LRS ensures countless vehicles, with just as many intricate systems, are well kept and ready to perform.

Airman 1st Class Conner Worthington, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance apprentice, attaches fuel lines March 13, at Kadena Air Base.

^

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52 Pottery studios from all around Okinawa will come to Hotel Moon Beach!· 18~20th of March· 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7 p.m. on 20th)· Admission FREE· Hotel Moon Beach Exhibit Section (on the Beach Floor)*Please use temporary parking at Maeganeku Fishing Port.A truly unique Okinawan pottery market where you get to meet & greet the potters.

Tsuboya-yaki Pottery IkutoenElectric wheel experience class: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Onna-son Veggie & Produce MarketWe will be selling Onna-son’s fresh seafood, vegetables, and other produce.

12 Exhibitions,YachimunFebruary 1 (Wed.) - May 7 (Sun.) (MB Gallery)

Free admission

Robata style Japanese Cuisine Yuragi-zukiLimited Yachimun Pottery Fair LunchEnjoy Japanese and Ryukyuan delicacies with our special lunch teishoku (set meal), just for 3 days!

All-day Dining CoralloYachimun Fair Special BuffetEnjoy Chinese, Japanese and Western style buffet resort lunch together with our seaside scenery.

Hotel Moon Beach24th Okinawa All-Island Pottery Market

paid advertisement

Airmen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron conducted hot-refueling during routine training on the fl ightline March 7 at Kadena Air Base. Hot-refueling occurs when refueling an aircraft on the ground while the engines are still running.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Orlandt, allergy and immunizations technician (left), prepares a shot for Senior Airman Kattie Savoy, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineer March 14, at Kadena Air Base.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard)

Feeling incredible thanks to medical

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Quay Drawdy)

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By Joe AndesU.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan Public Affairs Offi ce3/15/2017 — A corpsman from U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan was among the honorees during a special event March 14 at the Community Center on Camp Foster. Th e ceremony recognized those who volun-teer as victim advocates for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program on Okinawa. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Angelique Barone, a victim advocate at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan, was recognized during the ceremony which was hosted by the Marine Corps Base Butler Installation Sexual Assault Re-sponse Coordinator (SARC). “I was grateful to have my command, SARCS, and fellow victim ad-vocates recognize me today for my role as one of USNH Okinawa’s Uniform Victim Advocates,” said Barone. “It has also been a great honor to support and care for those Service members who have entrusted me enough to help them throughout one of the most diffi cult experiences they will probably ever go through.” Aft er Major General Joaquin Malavet, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacifi c and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, delivered his

opening remarks, Barone received a letter of appreciation presented by U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan Com-mand Master Chief Quentin Newsom. “Petty Offi cer Barone’s devotion and dedication to our command’s SAPR pro-gram has not gone unnoticed these past two years,” said Cmdr. Rodel Divina, the SARC at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan. “People turn to her for help and guidance because she cares about her fellow shipmates. She exudes compassion and she truly makes a diff erence.”

Victim advocates play a cru-cial role in the SAPR program. Th ey provide essential support and care to victims of sexual assault. Barone is one of six victim advocates at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan. “It is important to have vic-tim advocates at a command because we are the liaison between the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the command, and other SAPR services that are off ered to victims,” said Barone. “When someone goes through a traumatic experience such as a sexual assault, they shouldn’t have to worry about schedul-ing appointments, or submit-ting paperwork, they should be focused on their recovery. It’s important for our service members to have someone

in their corner that is strictly there for them, not only to be knowledgeable, but kind, empathetic, and understanding to their needs.” Th e Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program mission is to prevent and respond to sexual as-sault, eliminating it through a balanced of focused education, comprehensive response, compassionate advocacy, and just adjudication in order to promote professionalism, respect, and trust, while preserving Navy mission readiness.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard)

USNH Okinawa corpsman among victim advocates recognized on Okinawa

(U.S. Navy photo by Joe Andes)

^Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Angelique Barone, a victim advocate at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan, receives a letter of appreciation during the ceremony which was hosted by the Marine Corps Base Butler Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. The ceremony recognized those who volunteer as victim advocates for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program on Okinawa.

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Kadena and Camp Foster emergency numbersKadena Fire Emergency Services reminds everyone to program their cell phones with the emergency numbers. To report an emergency on Kadena via cell, dial 098-934-5911, and from an offi ce phone, dial 911. For Camp Foster via cell, dial 098-911-1911, or from an offi ce phone, dial 911.

How to file a complaint with IGIf you believe you are unable to resolve your complaint through supervisory channels, you may seek IG assistance to determine if the complaint should be fi led with the IG. You can fi le a complaint if you reasonably believe inappropriate conduct has occurred or a violation of law, policy, procedures, or regulation has been committed. Complete the personnel data information on an AF Form 102 and briefl y outline the facts and relevant information related to the issue or complaint. List the allegations of wrongdoing briefl y, in general terms and provide supporting narrative detail and documents later, when interviewed by an IG person. Allegations should be written as bullets and should answer who committed the violation; what violation was committed; what law, regulation, procedures, or policy was violated; when did the violation occur. Help is available: Call your Kadena IG offi ce at 634-7622 for Mr. Mays or 634-1109 for Mr. Lovingood, or leave a message on the Kadena Fraud Waste & Abuse (FWA) Hotline at 634-0404.

Air Force IBM Forms MigrationRemoval of IBM Form Viewer software is fast approaching (March 2017). Owners of offi cial records are responsible for converting fi lled-in IBM forms in fi ling systems to PDF to ensure future viewing. Open the form now and save / print as PDF to ensure accessibility.

WIC Overseas Program Enrollment and EligibilityThe Women, Infants, and Children Overseas is a supplemental nutrition program designed for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of 5. As a WIC Overseas participant, you can receive nutrition education in the form of individual counseling and group classes, breastfeeding support, supplemental foods such as milk, juice, cheese, cereal, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables, and referrals to other health care agencies. For more information, check fi nancial/residential eligibility, visit or call WIC Overseas. All of WIC can be reached at 645-WICO (9426) or from a cell phone at 098-970-9426 (Options 1- Camp Foster; 2- Kadena Air Base; 3-Camp Kinser; 4- Camp Courtney)Kadena Air Base (Bldg. 428) Camp Foster (Bldg. 5674) Camp Courtney (Bldg. 4408) Camp Kinser (Bldg. 107 Rm. 121)

Pass and Registration Visitor’s Center closureThe U.S. side of the Pass and Registration Visitor’s Center will be closed 12 p.m. to close of business for training on the last Thursday of every month. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Alfredo Reyes at 634-1033.

Spouse Employment ProgramThe Kadena Airman and Family Readiness, sponsored through Air Force Aid Society, is offering Active Duty Air Force Spouses the opportunity to learn about Medical Coding. These four, 3-hour long informative sessions from 9 a.m. to noon, May 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. We will provide an overview of the business aspect of medical coding and tips for taking an AAPC Certifi cation exam. This opportunity will also provide participants with current

coding books (CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS) necessary for an AAPC examination, at no cost, preregistration is required. For more information, contact Amy Ali at 634-3366.

DoD Performance Management and Appraisal Program SMART Standards TrainingThe Civilian Personnel Section will be hosting a performance plan writing workshop to assist GS and FWS Appropriated Fund Civilians in the Kadena Air Base Community and their Commanders/Supervisors in developing performance plans starting March 20 at the Shilling Community Center. This optional training will focus on writing performance plans using the Specifi c, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) standards framework. A number of training dates for Kadena Air Base will populate. Simply select the date, time and location for the course you wish to attend and Click to Register. You will receive an email notifi cation confi rming your registration into the class. The classes are currently scheduled through April 11. For more information, contact Shon Burns-Harris at 632-7914.

Men wanted for 2017 Naha Dragon Boat RaceThe Kadena Air Force Dragon Boat Team is looking for men to join them in the Dragon Boat Race held on May 5 in Naha City. Practices are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Kadena Marina. For more information, e-mail Senior Master Sgt. Joe Hurt at joe.hurt@us.af.mil. You can also fi nd the team on Facebook: 2017 Kadena Air Force Shogun Dragon Boat Team.

Learn Japanese & ChineseJapanese & Chinese Classes for any level. OHJ Skills 090-9788-2615 http://ohjskills.com

UPCOMING EVENTSKadena Annual Bataan Memorial Death MarchThe Kadena Top 3 organization will be hosting the annual Bataan Memorial Death March on April 8 starting at 6:00 a.m. The event will start at Kadena’s Keystone Theater for a remembrance followed by march, walk, or jog along Kadena’s fl ightline perimeter road. Individuals and teams are encouraged to participate. For more information, contact Senior Master. Sgt Fabrienne Burnett at 634-9407 or Master Sgt. Danny Lopez at 634-3194.

18th Wing SAPR Softball TournamentThe “Knock Sexual Assaults Outta the Park” 2017 Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month’s Softball Tournament will be held April 8 and 9, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Kadena Four Diamonds Fields. Double Elimination Blind Draw Softball Tournament – 12 teams can sign up. Registration closes March 31. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Mathew Kimberling at 080-6483-1834.

Casting Call: Shakespeare’s“The Tempest”The Pacifi c Okinawa Players will be hosting the casting call for Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” March 24 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. at the Ryukyu Middle School. Ages 13 & up. No experience necessary. For more information, visit website: pacifi cokinawaplayers.org.

Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month Golf TournamentThe Kadena Sexual Assault Prevention Association is hosting a golf tournament from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 21 at the Kadena Banyan Tree golf course to help support

To submit an announcement for the base bulletin, please visit www.kadena.af.mil NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT OF PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS OR ACTIVITIES IS INTENDED.

Continued on PAGE 11

The world heritage site Nakijin Castle is not to be missed when going to the north of the Motobu Peninsula, located about an hour and a half by car from Naha, or 15 minutes from Churaumi Aquarium. In 2000, it was registered by UNESCO as the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”.

Also known as Hokuzan Castle, Nakijin Castle has an ancient history. Before the Ryukyu Kingdom was created, the whole area was a castle for the feudal lord of Hoku-zan and flourished as one of the main bases for territory control. After being destroyed by the Ryukyu Kingdom, it became a sacred place to perform religious rituals.

The total length of the existing wall is 1.5 kilometres. Boasting an area equal to that of Shuri Castle, 4 hectares of land are enclosed within the beautifully curved line drawn by the castle walls. Looking up at the castle walls which are skillfully placed on a small hill, it becomes clear with just a glance that Nakijin

Castle was once impregnable.

Currently, there are no buildings inside the castle, but visitors can still feel the life of the kingdom that once flourished there more than 600 years ago by walking around the castle ruins.

At one time, the castle was also sublime inside. There were private quarters for the women which men were forbidden to enter and which had a wonderful view of the scenery.

Here you can overlook the ocean expanding from the north of the Motobu Peninsula. A beautiful sight which has gone unchanged since long ago.

Nakijin Castle RuinsOkinawa before the Ryukyu Kingdom

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Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month. Grand prizes for 1st and 2nd place teams and other games/prizes for all. For more information, contact Rebecca Kimberling at 080-6485-8392 or Jason Markham at 080-3348-1262.

National Defense Transportation Association General Membership MeetingThe NDTA general membership meeting is March 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kadena Tee House Restaurant. Target Audience: Lo-gistics, Distribution, Transportation Person-nel and contractors. Agenda includes a brief on 4th Party Logistics by Cynthia McKeague and MCIPAC, as well as nominations for new offi cers. For more information, contact Cynthia McKeague at 080-6492-8036 or 634-3641.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESKadena High School Spanish program seeking volunteersKadena High School’s Spanish program

is looking for fl uent Spanish-speaking volunteers to interact with their Spanish students. Volunteers are needed during the school day from 7:20 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on the following days: April 12 and May 12. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, please contact Elizabeth El Ansari at elizabeth.elansari@pac.dodea.edu

American Legion seeking volunteersThe local American Legion need of assistance the last Sunday of every month with help to maintain Tomari International Cemetery grounds. This small cemetery, established for Commodore Perry in 1853 holds many foreign individuals, but most are Americans who were killed or served in WWII Battle of Okinawa, Korean War and Vietnam Wars. Last Sunday of every month:March 26, from 9 – 11:30 a.m.April 30, from 9 – 11:30 a.m.For more information, contact Senior Airman Charlie Schleuger at 634-7271 or email at charlie.schleuger@us.af.mil.

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