Guidance has been released regarding the details of families returning to Japan: Family members who were evacuated during the "Voluntary Early Departure" may now initiate return per Commander Naval Forces Japan guidance. Click here Naval Forces Japan/Navy Region Japan Pacific Homecoming Guide For Voluntary Authorized Departed Family Members.
< COMMENT>
And, remember to visit FISC Yokosuka's Facebook for immediate updates from anywhere you have internet connection. Google: "FISC Yokosuka Facebook" or click here to go directly to the page.
NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka,
More than a month ago, our host country - Japan - suffered a triad of calamities unlike anything this country, or, for that matter, any country has ever faced in modern history. I believe it's safe to say that a great majority of our colleagues in the Japanese workforce have personally, or know family members or friends who have themselves suffered unimaginable loss. To this day, we all continue to face challenges as valiant efforts are made daily to secure the power plants at Fukushima. I have been maintaining a 24-hour vigil of local news and information. And while I cannot hope to fathom the tragedies of our host countrymen, I will make every effort to see that the communication to our employees - especially our Japanese employees - is of the highest, most relevant quality.
CAPT Matt Feely, Commanding Officer
< COMMENT>
For the very latest updates, visit the FISC Yokosuka FACEBOOK Page! Now, it's even more convenient to locate: Just "Google" or "Yahoo" search "FISC Yokosuka Facebook," and the selection will appear as the top search result.
Click here for the latest Q's and A's: Authorized/Ordered Evacuation of Civilian Employees and Eligible Family...
Click here to access Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka latest information...
See NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka featured locally!
< COMMENT>
U.S. Navy, JMSDF logisticians strengthen ties on playing field
Quick Link to FISC Yokosuka Logistics News Page
Click the image above to see the NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka news page
Multi-cultural seminar hikes workplace understanding Story and photo by Kazuyuki Takagi, CFAY Public Affairs
(Right) JAL Academy Senior Consultant Kikue Yamamoto facilitates a two-day multi-cultural training seminar at FISC Yokosuka headquarters Sept. 13 and 14, where approximately 30 participants from commands aboard CFAY attended.
U.S. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Yokosuka held a two-day multicultural training seminar on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Sept. 13 and 14 and on board Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Sept. 15 and 16. In Yokosuka, nearly 30 participants from commands on board CFAY gathered to develop greater cultural understanding in the workplace among Japanese and American employees. “I decided to participate in the seminar to enrich my international cultural relations by practicing with my host nation,” said Cornelius Brown, director of Material Support Services, FISC Yokosuka. Midori Tanaka, from U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) said, “I have been interested in the national and cultural differences for a long time, which could lead to misunderstanding. I expect that what I learn from the seminar will be helpful to my work.” The seminar was facilitated by Kikue Yamamoto, senior consultant from Japan Airlines (JAL) Academy. Yamamoto, with her 20-year career, is an experienced facilitator with a track record of success in improving cross-cultural relations at some of the largest multi-national corporations in the world. “The goal of the seminar includes gaining more understanding of oneself and others, learning some communication skills to work better together, and coming up with strategies to communicate about problems and conflicts,” said Yamamoto. “This seminar would benefit the individuals of all different backgrounds, the organization and so on.” During the seminar, the participants were divided into several groups, each of which were mixed with both American and Japanese participants. Yamamoto then asked them to perform various group exercises to develop their communication skills. Barnga is one of the role-plays exercises conducted during the seminar. It is a simulation game on cultural differences. Barnga is a card game for the participants to experience a kind of culture shock, and to explore what can be done at an uncertain situation. The participants were asked to play a simple card game in small groups. The players, however, were instructed not to speak to each other but were able to communicate only through gestures or pictures. During the game, intercultural encounters happened when some of the players in each group moved to other groups. This simulates real cross-cultural encounters, where people initially believed they shared the same understanding of the basic rules. After discovering that each group was playing by different rules, the players learned that they must understand and reconcile these differences to function effectively in a cross-cultural group. After finishing the card game, the participants shared their experiences, analyzed what had happened and discussed how their findings could contribute to their everyday life, work and project situation. According to Yamamoto, the most important part of the seminar is a discussion of feedback after each group exercise. The seminar was filled with group exercises for the participants to learn how they can bridge differences and what they do to bridge cultures. “Role play was probably the most effective way to tie in what was taught in the classroom,” said Brown. At the end of the two-day seminar, Yamamoto mentioned suggested attitudes. “Differences are inconvenient, but could be a great source for creativity and growth,” said Yamamoto. “Not one, but many right answers exist cross-culturally. Let’s be optimistic and positive,” she added. The participants were really satisfied with the two-day multi-cultural seminar and some commented on their experience before returning to their workplaces. “The seminar was excellent,” said Brown. “I recommend this method of cultural exchange to business and government agencies alike.” “I really enjoyed the class, and also learned very useful information that I didn’t know before,” said Tanaka. “I think what I learned from the seminar will be helpful to my work.” “The class helped me to become aware of key differences in American and Japanese culture,” said Randy Crist from SRF-JRMC. “It made me want to learn more about Japanese culture and language.”
FISC Yokosuka Regional Services supports Sailors, Families Story by H. Sam Samuelson, FISC Office of Corporate Communication
Postal packages are staged in the hangar bay of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) awaiting distribution to GW crew. More than 35,000 pounds of mail was processed for the ship recently while it operated in the Western Pacific. Official U.S. Navy Photo
Sailors and families top the priority list for Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Yokosuka’s Regional Services Department staff as they assess achievements and milestones at the close of the fiscal year. “It’s been a banner year for the Regional Services department,” says Regional Services Director Cmdr. Karen Little. “More important than that, the benefits go to our customers, the families and Sailors who serve on forward deployed ships and ashore commands in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).” FISC Regional Services Department products and services include household goods moves for families reporting to Japan and those departing Japan, all postal services in the region, plus hazardous wasted management, and the purchase, receipt and delivery of everything from emergency equipment to consumer goods and products. There are few items that keep ships steaming, and Sailors nourished or that connect families, every day, through the U.S. Postal Services, that FISC Yokosuka doesn’t coordinate, process and bring to the region. One of the shining examples of Regional Services Department achievements is being recognized across the Department of Defense as having the highest customer satisfaction rate in Personal Property management, scoring 90 percent. Regional Services is a department that, “provides top-notch support to Sailors and their families throughout the Western Pacific,” said Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers Rear Adm. Mark F. Heinrich during a recent visit to FISC Yokosuka earlier in August. Heinrich went on to tout the department’s numerous other efforts for customer support. “FISC Yokosuka’s [Regional Services] Postal Operations processed more than 36 million pounds of mail during the year which placed Fleet Mail Center Yokohama second largest volume in the world behind the mail processing facilities in Germany,” Heinrich said. A recent example of those efforts was reflected in mail delivered to the USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) while it was underway in the Western Pacific. Through the efforts of FMC Yokohama and FISC Postal personnel in Manila and Singapore, the ship’s crew welcomed 35,000 pounds of mail from home. FISC Yokosuka employs logistics support representatives at both Manila and Singapore: Chief Logistics Specialists Michael Kinstle (Manila) and Timothy Lynch (Singapore). “This doesn’t ‘just happen,’” said FISC Yokosuka Regional Postal Manager Dale Pinchart. “After our great crew in Yokohama processed the mail, Chiefs Kinstle and Lynch were the guys who made it happen with a lot of planning, dedication, sweat, hard work.” GW crewmembers were impressed. “I would like to pass along a ‘bravo zulu’ to the Singapore and Manila detachments,” said GW Postal Officer Chief Logistics Specialist Daniel Weaver. “They have provided outstanding service.”
Feely assumes mantle at FISC Yokosuka change of command Story by H. Sam Samuelson, FISC Office of Corporate Communication
(Right) Capt. Matthew S. Feely assumes command of FISC Yokosuka, relieving Capt. Michael Arnold as Commander Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers Rear Adm. Mark F. Heinrich looks on during the FISC Yokosuka change of command ceremony Aug. 13. Photo by Kazuyuki Takagi
Commander Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS), San Diego, Rear Adm. Mark F. Heinrich officiated during the change of command ceremony in which Capt. Matthew S. Feely assumed command of Fleet and Industrial Center (FISC) Yokosuka, Japan, relieving Capt. Michael Arnold Aug. 13. More than 200 guests attended the ceremony, including local senior flag officers, distinguished uniformed leaders of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Mayor of Yokosuka City YuutoYoshida. “Today we honor two outstanding officers as the mantle of leadership of FISC Yokosuka is passed,” Heinrich said during opening remarks. “Capt. Arnold has ensured that FISC Yokosuka is postured as a key strategic logistics enabler for all operational and contingency plan operations in the Pacific theater. “Capt. Matt Feely’s expertise in acquisition and operational fleet logistics, as well as his joint logistics experience, make him the logical and absolute best choice to serve as FISC Yokosuka’s next commanding officer,” Heinrich concluded. Arnold had served as the FISC Yokosuka commanding officer since July, 2008. Feely, a 1983 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, most recently served with the office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) as acting director and deputy director of the Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division. “Please know that I am humbled to be here, and I will work hard to fulfill my duties,” Feely said – not in English, but in Japanese, to the spontaneous and polite applause of the JMSDF officers and local Japanese employees present. “I deeply respect the country in which I will be serving and appreciate the graciousness of the Japanese people,” he said. “With the few words I spoke in the Japanese language, I hoped to convey two truths. The first was to express – if not eloquently – my appreciation and reverence of the Japanese culture and people. The second was to demonstrate my commitment to learning and growing as the commanding officer of FISC Yokosuka and its honored, expert and dedicated workforce.” Feely assumes command of FISC, “bringing a wealth of knowledge from three sea tours including supply officer assignments aboard a ballistic missile submarine, an attack submarine and an amphibious transport dock ship,” Heinrich said. Feely has earned two master’s degrees and holds a doctorate degree in decision analysis. He has served as a professor of both Decision Sciences and Economics at the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval Academy. Sea duty, joint and coalition assignments include: deputy director, Logistics Plans and Operations, North American Aerospace Defense Command and the United States Northern Command; financial planner and program analyst, Office of the Secretary of Defense; financial controls advisor, Republic of Georgia; logistics officer, Iceland Defense Force; logistics operations officer, Administrative Support Unit, Bahrain; supply officer, USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN 631); supply officer, USS Providence (SSN 719); and assistant supply officer, USS Austin (LPD 4). Shore assignments include: director, Business Office and Performance Measurement, Contracts Directorate, Naval Air Systems Command; professor of Decision Sciences-Risk Management and professor of economics, Naval Postgraduate School and U.S. Naval Academy; naval acquisition contracts officer intern, Naval Air Systems Command. Feely is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community, and is a joint qualified officer. He has earned supply warfare qualifications in submarine and surface warfare, and his military decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) among unit and campaign commendations.
Enterprise resource planning phase two moving ahead Story by H. Sam Samuelson, FISC Office of Corporate Communication
FISC Regional Services, Material Services Manager and ERP 1.1 Special Assistant Sid Frazier is helping to make the mission of serving the fleet easier, quicker and more efficient by helping FISC Yokosuka gets in line for implementing parts of ERP 1.1 as early as February 2011. Photo by Kazuyuki Takagi
Volunteers from various commands aboard Commander, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka (CFAY) gathered at Yokosuka’s Sogo Fukushi Kaikan Hall to bring smiles to senior high school students of Takeyama School for the disabled in Yokosuka during the school’s 2010 Summer Program July 21. “I’ve always liked being involved,” said Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class (SW) Danny Limes from U.S. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Yokosuka. “The more we do it, the more it shows to the local population we care and like to get out and share our cultures and just to be there to help when needed.” The summer program, hosted by Miura Fujisawa Shinkin Bank Volunteer Circle, “Fureai,” is designed for Takeyama School high school students to interact with other people including U.S. Navy personnel through various activities such as games, songs and dances. “I was nervous at first. But, once I got to talk to the students, I realized quickly each one is unique and special,” said Limes. “I enjoyed this very much and look forward to the bigger events and spend time with friends.” At first, all the participants introduced themselves to each other, followed by a series of games. Takeyama School Teacher Kiyosuke Watanabe led the program in both English and Japanese. “I think this is going to be one of the best memories this summer,” said Watanabe. “I am glad that the volunteers from the U.S. naval base came here to help us out. I hope they’ll continue cooperating for the U.S. and Japan friendship.” The voluteers not only played games, but they helped the facilitators as well. “We assisted local Japanese instructors with various activities,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Maria T. Cariaga from U.S. Personnel Support Activity Detachment (PSD) Yokosuka. “We also interacted with the children teaching them some simple English words that they may use in the future.” The last activity of the day was a hula dance. Teachers from a local hula dance school taught basic steps and hand motions to all the participants, followed by a hula dance performance. “I was really moved to know U.S. Sailors from Yokosuka Naval Base volunteered to support the Summer Program for the students,” said Izumi Sato, who is a teacher at the Yokosuka hula dance school. “They are so nice and good people.” Through the day, the class room was filled with smiles and laughs of the students, teachers and U.S. Sailors “This is the second year I have participated in this program,” said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW) William Behr from U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center West Pacific. “It is a lot of fun and the students are great.” Volunteerism helps to build solid friendships between Americans and Japanese. “I feel that it is imperative to engage in volunteer activities to receive continuous support from the local community and strengthen the relationship between the armed forces and Japanese community,” Cariaga said. At the end of the day, the program ended with Katsunori Tanaka, director of the volunteer circle, presenting a letter of appreciation to the volunteers. “This letter is to thank you for your active participation and work as a volunteer in the Summer Program for Takeyama School for the disabled (senior high school age) Community Relations Project on July 21,” Tanaka said, during the presentation. “I think getting involved in the local community is excellent, said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Monica Christy from U.S. Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East. “It is a very good experience for anyone who would like to meet new people and learn about Japanese culture.” The 2010 Summer Program is still scheduled Aug. 9 and 10 for cooking, art and music appreciation.
For more information about our Logistics Management articles, contact: NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Director, Corporate Communication CML: 81-46-816-8062 Local: 046-816-8062 DSN: 243-8062 NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Director of Corporate Communication
