The White Falcon - 17.11.2005, Side 4

--------------------------- From Service pg. 1
“Additionally, several of the Navy Region Europe bases
are taking initiatives of their own to recognize the people or
organizations that are providing Great Service to our Sailors,
families and community,” he added.
The e-mail address greatservice@cnre.navy.mil, which is
accessible by a ‘link’ on almost every regional installation’s
Web site homepage, is also intended to help the region as a
whole.
“Maybe someone going through the Sigonella or Rota or
Souda Bay, Crete Area Orientation thinks that it is the most
informative and well put together area brief that they have
experienced in the 13 years they’ve been in the military,” said
Clouse, “Well, we can then apply what that command does
to other bases in the region where it would make for a better
experience for the entire theater.”
“There are many venues to log com-
plaints,” said Clouse. “This email
address is for positive feedback so GREAT
the Admiral knows about good things SERVICE J
happening - and when and where - in ....‘
the theater.”
This Holiday season keep common-sense, safety in mind
From Weather pg. 1
is generally minor,” Prentice said. “Essentially
it’s a blend of the current Navy warning criteria
with guidelines set forth by the Air Force.”
“To put it simply,” he added, “it’s basically
just new names for the old warnings.
“Instead of, Gale Warnings we will soon
see High Wind Warnings 35 to 49 knots,” or
Lightning within 25 nm (nautical miles), instead
of Thunderstorm Conditions I & II.”
Beginning on Nov. 20, theses changes will
take effect on channels 23 and 24. The use of
background color coding will continue to give
viewers a quick reference of increasing levels
of weather severity.
Here are the new warnings that will be used
for the base:
1. Surface Winds 45 knots or greater (Red).
2. Surface Winds 35 to 44 knots (Magenta).
3. Local Observed Wind Advisory: Sustained
winds between 20 and 34 knots (Green).
4. Hail: 1/2 inch or greater (Red).
5. Heavy Rain/Snow two inch-
es or greater in 12 hours (Green).
6. Freezing Precipitation (Green).
7. Blizzard Conditions. Duration of 3 hours
or longer, sustained winds or gusts greater
than or equal to 30 knots, considerable fall-
ing and/or blowing snow with prevail-
ing visibility frequently 1/4 mile/400 meters
or less (all criteria must be met) (Red).
8. Lightning within 25 nautical miles of the
installation expected within two hours (Red).
9. Wind Chill Advisory: Wind chill tempera-
tures of-11 F (-23.89 C) exist or are forecast to
occur (Magenta).
“This is an exciting and challenging time
for both NLMOD and Air Force weather in
Iceland,” Prentice^said.
As the winter begins, and weather becomes
increasingly dynamic, NLMOD and Air Force
CWT will continue to closely monitor Icelandic
weather keeping safety paramount as they make
their transition.
By Pacific Fleet Master Chief (SS/SW) R.
D. West
It’s time to start gearing up for
turkey, ham, pumpkin pie, chestnuts
roasting on an open fire, and football.
There’s always something special
in the air this time of year no mat-
ter where you are. Mostly because
several special holidays are during
this time — all celebrating the best
that humanity has to offer. Ramadan
just recently finished up, and we have
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah,
Kwanzaa and New Year’s coming.
All of these major holidays stress
the importance of family and faith
- something we, as one team, all stand
watch to protect.
Too often we forget to protect some-
thing else - ourselves.
Now I’m going to go into my “old
master chief’ (did I really say old)
mode and get on the 1MC and spell a
few things out for those of us who may
forget a few common-sense things.
No matter which holiday you cel-
ebrate, the main point is celebrating
with family and friends.
But to get back home, too many of us
don’t always plan properly and sadly
it can result in a holiday tragedy.
Shipmates trust me on this. Your
family would rather you come home
late than not at all, and your command
and leaders want/need you back safe.
Plan your trip and work your plan.
Make sure you get the leave time you
need in conjunction with the com-
mand mission to ensure your holiday
success.
Plane, train or automobile, plan it out
so you don’t overextend yourselves.
For those on the roads, here are
few tips I want you to take to heart,
especially those driving in wintry con-
ditions:
— Don’t drink and drive. You will
either get caught or you could hurt
someone. Call a shipmate, friend or
command leadership.
— If you don’t have to drive, don’t!
If you must, drive defensively and
smart. Wear seatbelts!
For more holiday
safety tips visit: http://
safetycenter. na vy. mil
— Be alert for potential driving haz-
ards including downed branches, trees,
electric lines and icy areas.
— Leave early to allow extra time to
get to your destination.
-- Slow down. Triple the usual dis-
tance between your car and the one
ahead. I know you want to get home,
but don’t worry; they’ll save a drum-
stick and some pumpkin pie for you.
— Keep an emergency winter driv-
ing kit with a blanket and flashlight
in the car.
There are more tips at: http://safety-
center.navy.mil/seasonal/holidaysea-
son.htm.
Talk to leadership about your holi-
day plans. Make sure you’ve thought
it through, and budget the money to
get home and back.
Then enjoy the warmth of family
and friends and report back ready to
turn and bum.
Once you do get home, don’t think
it’s time to let your guard down. Far
from it, it’s where we feel safest that
accidents and bad judgment occur.
While celebrating remember, the
following:
— Take care when using candles or
holiday lighting.
— Test tree trimmings. When deco-
rating with lights, be sure to purchase
only those labeled by a testing labora-
tory (UL listing for example).
— Keep Christmas trees fresh, away
from heat sources (candles) and exits,
and water it daily.
— Cook with care. Always turn pot
handles in, and those of you frying
your turkeys, use care with those deep
fryers.
— Again, buckle up. Can I say it any
clearer?
OK, so my point is be safe. 1 know
I went into it a bit, but believe it or
not your safety is important to me,
your command, and your
family.
My final note is conduct.
It’s the holidays, everyone
is happy, and we’re all cel-
ebrating. But don’t let all
the happiness and celebra-
tion make you forget you
still have responsibilities.
We’re all on duty 365
days a year; we are part of
the most professional and
best organization in the
world. We’re all ambas-
sadors of the United States
— professional members
of our service and country
always.
So as professionals and
ambassadors, we show
respect for the commu-
nities we are in and the
people whose hospitality
we are enjoying.
As good neighbors, we
work with our hosts to
improve quality of life for
all. But all that good work
can be erased by one bad
act by our fellows abusing the gra-
ciousness and generosity of the com-
munity we live in or are visiting.
It’s not a Navy or military thing.
It’s being a decent, respectful human
being who shows basic courtesy and
gratitude.
Sermon over.
So enjoy the holidays
and the celebrations. Do
it safely, keep those around you safe.
We’ve got some challenges coming
in 06, and I need every Warrior ready
to tackle any thing that comes along.
Remember, ANY MISSION, ANY
TIME — that’s who we are.
Finally when you sit down with
your families and friends, please keep
our Warriors deployed overseas or on
watch elsewhere around the world in
your prayers.
G 45.8 MILLION AMERICAN
1M0KER1
G 440,000 ANNUA! AMERICAN
DEATH! FROM 1M0KINC
G 1,100 DULY AMERICAN DEATH!
ntOMIMOKINO
G 0,000 ANNUAL AMERICAN
CHEW1NC TOBACCO DEATH!
G ON NOV. 17...
JOIN TUE RANK* Of THE 750 MILLION AMERICAN? WHO
DO NOT ?M0KE AND LIVE 16 YEAR? LONGER!
NAVAL U0TPITAL KEFLAVIk HEALTH PROMOTION? X1JW