nov 13, 2014 - the coastline

How to Make Awesome Holiday Care Packages

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The Impact of Shoplifting at the NEX

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USS Ross Conducts Exer-cise with Romanian Navy

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| Volume 24, Issue 43 | http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/ns_rota.html | November 13, 2014 U.S. Naval Activities Spain

Each year Americans prepare a whopping 45 million turkeys for their Thanksgiving feast. For those of you who grew up in the South, deep fried turkey is not only a tradition but, for some, it’s the only way to eat turkey. If you decide there are no other options but a fried turkey, please keep in mind the potential hazards/dangers while cooking that turkey.

Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) and Rota Fire and Emergency Services are urging consumers to take extra precautions if they insist on using a gas operated turkey fryer this holiday season. Please take the opportunity to

view the turkey fryer safety video which will be posted on Naval Station Rota’s official Facebook page Wednesday.

Manufacturers have made strides over the years to-ward enhancing safety features in an attempt to make gas turkey fryers safer for consumers. These new features in-clude designing non-heat conducting handles and sturdier stands; but, based on continued observation, gas turkey fryers still pose a considerable risk if not used correctly.

There is, however, an alternative. In the last few years, manufacturers have designed an electric, indoor version of the turkey fryer. It incorporates all the safety features that previously kept them from being Underwriter’s Labo-ratory certified. These new features include: a built-in

thermostat which shuts off the power to prevent flash fires, a countertop model which prevents the unit from being tipped over, a maximum fill line on the inside of the unit, and a lid which prevents the grease from splashing on the countertop.

Even with this U.L. approved unit, there are still some safety items to keep in mind:

- Never leave the fryer unattended. - Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use.- Use well-insulated pot holders or oven mitts when

removing the turkey.

By Bill Wilson

Rota FiRe, emeRgency SeRviceS

Turkey Frying Safety: Don't be a Statistic this Thanksgiving Holiday

Left: U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Commanding Officer, Capt. Michial Warrington, left, speaks with active duty, retirees, and civilians while Cmdr. Tim Broderick, Health Promotions department head, observes, as part of the Veterans Health Fair and Symposium, Nov. 6. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant Wamack)Above: Naval Station Rota Commanding Officer, Capt. Greg Pekari, addresses retiree concerns during the Retired Activities Office Retiree Seminar, Nov. 6. (U.S. Navy photo by Morgan Over)

U.S. Naval Hospital Rota held their Fifth Annual Veterans Day Health Fair and Seminar to honor and celebrate veterans in the hospital courtyard, Nov. 6.

The hospital hosted the event in part-nership with more than 13 departments around base, while members of the 1st Class Petty Officer Association served food to those in attendance. Additionally, the oldest and youngest Sailor cut the celebratory cake.

A number of service members, retir-ees, veterans, and others hosted informa-tional tables/booths around the hospital’s courtyard.

“The hospital for the last five years has put on a Veteran’s Day Family Health Fair and we have joined in at the Retired

Activities Office (RAO) to hold a retiree seminar where we can bring retirees together, put out some important infor-mation, and recognize their service to the nation,” said Thomas Brennan, RAO director. “Retirees are a special kind of veteran. Retirees served their career and we feel they need to have support and information available to them so they can make their lives better here in Spain.”

With more than 13 organizations pres-ent at the health fair, many expressed their honor in being able to help partici-pate in the event.

“It’s really an honor to see these vet-erans here,” said Hospitalman Connor Christensen. “It’s the road I hope to be on one day, to one day be a veteran. It’s nice to see they’re taken care of and honored all throughout their life. I love what they

do and what they’ve done for our country and it’s great to be here today.”

Following the health fair, Rota’s RAO hosted a retiree seminar, which ad-dressed retiree concerns aboard NAVSTA Rota and provided information about Tri-care, Veterans Affairs, and social security services. NAVSTA Rota Commanding Officer, Capt. Greg Pekari, spoke to the more than 60 retirees and spouses providing updates about base services, allaying concerns about an increase in the population, and addressing retiree concerns.

Pekari spoke of the positive energy on base with the arrival of the first of four Arleigh Burke-class guided missile de-stroyers and what the population increase means for the base.

“It means a lot more energy, a lot more

positive energy, but a lot more energy. It means longer lines, perhaps whether it’s at a food place or even at one our service areas, sometimes it can even be medical. Nothing bad is going to come with the doubling of the population; I just think there will be a lot more excitement.”

Pekari answered questions related to retiree passes, commissary privileges and case-lot sales, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Rota events, and even food options available on base.

“We don’t have enough food places on base we’re hearing from a lot of Sailors and Airmen, and it’s true,” said Pekari. “Morale, Welfare and Recreation [Rota] already has an approved MWR Village … near the exchange. There are two

Honoring Veterans During Veterans Day Health Fair, Seminar

By MC2 (sW) Grant WaMaCk, MorGan over

navSta Rota Public aFFaiRS

See HEALTH FAIR | page 3

See TURKEYS | page 3

2 November 13, 2014 C L

CAPTAIN'SCORNER

Capt. Greg S. PekariCOMNAVACT Spain

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The Coastline

Published by Lucas Johnson Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the DoD, U.S. Navy or Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain under exclusive written contract with Naval Station Rota, Spain Public Affairs under contract Navy. Depósito Legal S-1848-04. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval Station Rota, Spin Public Affairs Office.

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It is everyone’s responsibility to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in Navy activities to: OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL Phone: 081-568-2983 - Fax: 081-568-6354 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Europe/index.htm You can choose to remain anonymous.

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Join the conversation with U.S. Naval Activities Spain leaders, service members, community members and friends from around the world. Here you will also find more photos, see videos and hear radio news reports from AFN Rota. Check it out.

Join the Conversation

Assembly ChairAngela PearceCell: 638-87-8748 / VPN: 18-727-1320Email: [email protected]

Naval Station RotaMelissa ReynaRomina ArbildiGraciela VandaveerRonyé McCarthyCell: 620-14-2231Email: [email protected]

American Forces Network Erika LantronCell: 636-60-3197Email: [email protected]

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Hannah Kunze / 639-64-3866Danielle Valentine / 648-71-5278Email: [email protected]

National Support Element Lisbon, Madrid and ValenciaRomina ArbildiCell: 620-14-2231Email: [email protected]

Naval Facilities Engineering Com-mand (NAVFAC)Winnie BoyleCell: 606-44-7800Email: [email protected]

Naval Munitions Command Melanie VarnerCell: 642-46-7565Email: [email protected]

NCTAMS Kristy Kunkle / 669-82-4913Charnelle Kennedy / 638-15-8540Email: [email protected]

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USN Hospital Angela PearceCell: 638-87-8748 / VPN: 18-727-1320Renee PolonskyCell: 636-28-6271 / VPN 18-727-0225Erin LesterCell: 636-28-6487 / VPN: 18-727-0116Alicia SilvaCell: 636-28-6293 / VPN 18-727-0200Email: [email protected]

725th / 521st (Key Spouse)Heather MerrimanRicca WockingPhone: 727-4850Email: [email protected]

USS Donald Cook (DDG 75)Romina Arbildi (NAVSTA Rota)Phone: 620-14-2231Email: [email protected]

USS Ross (DDG 71)Devin DidierCell: 628-15-8540Email: [email protected]

NEPMU 7Jeff Frey / 727-2230Email: [email protected]

Naval Station Rota and Tenant Command Ombudsmen

Updated oCt. 29, 2014

This Department of Defense newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the DoD. Contents of The Coastline are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DoD, or Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain.

Commander U.S. Naval Activities, Spain

Capt. Greg Pekarico/[email protected]

Chief of StaffU.S. Naval Activities, Spain

Cmdr. Tim McGarvey

Public Affairs OfficerLt. David Carter

Telephone: 956-82-1680Email: [email protected]

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Hello Team Rota! I hope everyone had a relaxing Veterans Day and that you were able to spend some quality time with friends and family. I also want to thank the countless veterans who serve and have served our country. I especially want to

recognize our retirees here in the Andalusia region. Thank you!!

As we approach mid-November, there is much that has happened these past couple of weeks that I would like to share with everyone.

**Regional CSADD Chapter of the Year**

Naval Station Rota’s Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Deci-sions (CSADD) was selected as our Regional CSADD Chapter of the Year for the second straight year. Our CSADD chapter contains Sail-ors from many of our tenant com-

mands making this another base-wide team award. CSADD’s objective is to foster a culture that sends a clear message discouraging destructive decision making and reinforcing the shipmate/bystander intervention concept. Last year our chapter represented the Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) Region and earned honorable mention, taking second overall out of 72 Navy bases. Congratulations and good luck to our chapter as they represent our Region once again in the Com-mander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) finals!

**2014 SECNAV Energy and Water Management Award**NAVSTA Rota won the 2014 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV)

Energy and Water Management award for a small shore com-mand (mentioned in last week’s The Coastline). Rota achieved platinum level of excellence (the highest level) which only a handful of installations earned this year. The Navy’s focus on energy as a strategic resource has increased the competitive

intensity and meaning of this award. In this environment, achieving either platinum or gold is something to be very proud of. As a result, we are authorized to fly the SECNAV energy flag for a period of one year. David Barbosa, our Na-val Facilities Engineering Command installation

energy manager, and his team were instrumental in coordinat-ing all the commands and departments, to include our building energy monitors (BEMs), making this another huge team effort which won this base award.

**Regional Installation Excellence Award**NAVSTA Rota was selected to represent EURAFSWA for

the Commander in Chief’s Large Installation Excellence Award. This is a result of every command and organization on this base doing not just their job, but doing it superbly! Next up, we will compete against the other regions within CNIC in the next month or so. All of the 5-star/gold seal accreditations and awards, all of the hard work our volunteers do, and all 30-plus tenant commands working together have made NAVSTA Rota shine! Thank you!

**U.S. Marine Corps 239th Birthday**I also want to wish our U.S. Marine Corps a Happy 239th

Birthday! It was Nov. 10, 1775 in Philadelphia when two bat-talions of Continental Marines were formed as a force capable of fighting both on land and at sea. Tomorrow, our U.S. Marines of Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company Europe and Africa will celebrate their 239th birthday at the Marine Corps Ball. Have a great time Marines, be safe, and thank you for everything you do for our country!

Installation Excellence, USMC’s 239th Birthday

Secretary of the Navy energy flag. (U.S. Navy file photo by Don Robbins)

November 13, 2014 3C L ne w s

1. When washing clothes, wash in cold water whenever possible. Save warm and hot water cycles for whites and hard-to-clean items. Always rinse in cold water.

2. Don’t pre-heat your oven unless the food, such as breads and cakes, require it. For most foods, pre-heating isn ’ t necessary and represents a waste of energy and money.

3. Thaw your food completely before cooking that way your stove or oven won’t have to work as hard.

4. Use the sun’s energy to dry your clothes when weather permits. The energy’s free, and your clothes smell fresher.

Weekly Energy Tip: Appliance Energy Tips

BRITE Ideas NAVSTA Rota!

The Navy Exchange (NEX) mis-sion is to provide customers quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy quality of life programs.

In order to meet this mission, the NEX Loss Prevention/Safety Department does everything it can to make sure merchandise is paid for when it leaves the store.

During 2013, NEX Loss Preven-tion/Safety associates investigated and resolved 1,232 shoplifting cases with a total dollar amount of $284,666. Of those cases, 23 per-cent were juveniles and 19 percent were active duty military. The top departments for shoplifting at the NEX in 2013 were prestige cosmet-ics, video games, electronics, and computer hardware.

The average value for shoplifting

cases was $231.“NEX Loss Prevention/Safety

associates use many tools in an effort to apprehend shoplifters or prevent theft before it happens,” said Tom Ruane, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Corporate Loss Prevention/Safety manager. “However, we still need our customers and associates to be alert to possible theft and report any suspicious activity to NEX man-agement or the Loss Prevention/Safety manager.”

NEXs worldwide use electronic article surveillance (EAS) sys-tems for electronic and high-value merchandise as well as extensive closed circuit surveillance systems (CCTV) to try and deter as well as catch shoplifters. The CCTV systems, coupled with digital video recorders and remote viewing tech-

nology, gives the NEX the ability to see everything within the store and identify incidents of theft.

“CCTV is our primary source for theft detection, as 76 percent of our theft cases were developed using CCTV,” said Ruane. “The majority of these theft cases were shoplift-ing, but we use it extensively for all our investigations. Customers need to think twice before trying to shoplift from a NEX. People caught shoplifting get prosecuted and pos-sibly banned from the NEX or it can end a military career if it’s an active duty service member.”

Seventy percent of NEX profits go to support Navy quality of life programs while the remaining 30 percent is used to build or renovate existing stores. In fiscal year 13, NEXCOM gave nearly $52 million to Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Shoplifting at the NEX Impacts Quality of Life ProgramsFroM navy exChanGe headqUarters

phases to it. The first phase is going to contain more service restaurants. We have a food service quality board that we just established that takes tenant command leaders from across the base to kind of sit down and discuss, on a quarterly basis, what type of food: healthy, fried, Mexican, Italian, Chinese. The first phase has been approved and we’re looking at breaking ground early next year with hopefully a completion by the fall to winter

of next year for phase one.”Retirees and spouses had the opportunity to

gain the latest information from all commands, un-dergo medical care and available tests during the health fair, and an opportunity to mingle with the active duty population during the lunchtime event.

“It is a sincere pleasure to serve those who wear the cloth for our nation or those who wore the cloth for our nation,” said Capt. Michael War-rington, U.S. Naval Hospital Rota’s commanding officer. “We’re grateful for that and we thank you for your service. Thank you.”

- The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thaw-ing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.

- Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If you have even a small fire immediately call 911 for help.

Again, if you’re using a turkey fryer this holiday season, Rota Fire and Emergency Services recommends that you use the Underwriter’s Laboratory certified electric version. As always, we wish everyone a great and fire safe holiday.

continued from page 1Turkeys | Fry Safely

continued from page 1Health Fair

4 November 13, 2014 C Lmi l i t a r y ne w s

Holiday EatingThe holidays are a time to enjoy family,

friends, and food. Believe it or not, you can have all three without putting on the extra pounds.

According to http://www.eatright.org, Americans tend to gain 1 to 2 pounds dur-ing the holidays. Although the weight gain isn’t a lot, it ends up sticking and accumu-lating over the years. This weight gain can be avoided with eating in moderation and having a plan of action.

Don’t skip meals throughout the day, especially when you are preparing for a big holiday party as this may lead to overeating. You should eat breakfast because you will end up consuming fewer calories throughout the day. Try to include lots of high-fiber foods in your diet because it will satisfy your hunger longer with high volume and low calories.

Holiday meals are usually buffet style and include second and third helpings. You can mistakenly eat large portions of food that are perceived as healthy. While it is important to include nutrient-rich foods, remember they also have calories, so everything in moderation. If you use this style of eating during the holiday it will allow you to keep a healthy eating plan. Also, try using a small dinner plate instead of the typical large-style plates. This will encourage proper portion size. Fill your plate with vegetables and salad before entrées and dessert.

Make sure to eat slowly and savor every bite. Finally after meals, get moving, go for a walk or play a game of basketball. Stay Healthy for Life Rota.

By Usnhr health proMotions

November in America traditionally is a month of thankfulness, and the Defense Department (DoD) chose this month to recognize those who support the nation’s Armed Forces but who don’t wear the uniform: military families.

Barbara Thompson directs the department’s Office of Family Policy, Children and Youth, and Special Needs. She recently spoke with DoD News about Military Family Month and why it matters.

“In November, we take the time to draw attention to and highlight the great sacrifices and support that military families offer our men and women in the armed forces,” she said.

Thompson’s office oversees programs and policies that promote military fami-lies’ well-being and quality of life. Thompson’s portfolio covers a range of military family concerns, from child development programs to spouse career development, personal financial readiness, and nonmedical counseling.

DoD Honors Military FamiliesSenior Pentagon officials will participate throughout the month in events de-

signed to honor military families, Thompson said, and the military services, installa-tions, and family support centers also will be working to recognize military families.

“There will be a lot of events and special recognitions,” she added.Thompson noted that the modern military family mirrors the modern American

family -- some families are blended, some have single parents, others consist of

DoD Celebrates Military Family Month in November

It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is upon us. With so many of our Sailors deployed, many of Navy spouses, moms, dads, and grandparents are

starting to get their care packages ready.But, what elevates a good care package to great-

ness? How can your care package stand out and reign supreme? The official U.S. Navy social media page asked their Facebook fans for some help and put together some tips and tricks on how you can make the ultimate care package.

Step 1: Timeliness. It has to get there on time. Naval Supply Systems Command posted the 2014 holiday season mailing deadlines and we’ve provided the top level information below.

Mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries:APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-098 (except 093); AA

zips 340; AP ZIPs 962-966- Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 17- First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and

packages): Dec. 10- Space-available Mail: Nov. 26APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093- Priority Express Mail Military Service: N/A- First-Class and Priority Mail (letters/cards and

packages): Dec. 3- Space-available Mail: Nov. 26Domestic Mail (For ships in port and personnel on

shore duty in the U.S. mailing to U.S. destinations-not

including APO/FPO)- Priority Express Mail: Dec. 23- First-Class Mail: Dec. 20- Priority Mail: Dec. 20Step 2: Keep in mind your Sailor’s space limita-

tions. If your Sailor is deployed, chances are they are in tight quarters with storage space. Their Facebook fans suggest personal-sized snacks, individually sealed goodies, and small personal items are great!

Step 3: Cookies and Jerky. One thing is for sure, according to their Facebook and Twitter fans, the top two requested food items are cookies and jerky.

Step 4: Send the boring stuff. Toiletries and personal items. It may not seem like a fun thing to send, but Sailors love the little touches from home. Sometimes that means their favorite shampoo, new socks, or specific hobby items. Are they a runner? Reader? Add some personal items in there they would normally pick up themselves if they could.

Step 5: Family news. Not surprisingly, the things our Sailors miss the most aren’t “things.” What they miss most is the family at home who they are deployed defending. Notes, cards, pictures … that’s what they really want!

*BONUS TIP* Send enough to share!

How to Make Your Sailor the Ultimate Holiday PackageBy sandy Gall

u.S. navy Social and emeRging media

By karen parrish

dod newS, deFenSe media activity

See FAMILIES | page 13

November 13, 2014 5C L

6 November 13, 2014 C LFdnF-e ne w s

BLACK SEA - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) conducted an underway

engagement with the Romanian navy in the Black Sea, Friday.

The engagement was aimed at improving maritime readiness and capability; and reaffirming America's

commitment to promote peace and stability with our allies and partners in the Black Sea region.

“We are very excited to train with the Romanian navy for a second time

during our deployment,” said Ross Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Tadd Gor-man. “This capability allows the United States and its allies to provide the right presence in the right place at the right time.”

The Romanian navy vessels ROS Rosca (263) and ROS Macellariu (265) participated in the underway engage-ment with Ross, which involved a series of at-sea scenarios designed to enhance maritime capabilities and advance our bilateral partnership with the Romanian navy.

“Interoperability at sea is a corner-stone of NATO’s military strength,” said Gorman.

Maritime interdiction operations were practiced with Ross acting as a cargo vessel as Romanian ships used radio communications to challenge her, and then conduct a maneuvering exercise. A Romanian navy Puma Helicopter also landed on the flight deck of USS Ross as part of the exercise. Additionally, two Romanian Mig-21 fighter jets flew over the ships, simulating a missile at-tack. The air defense exercise allowed the ships to practice targeting using fire control radars and to train lookouts for detection of enemy aircraft.

Forward deployed to Rota, Spain, Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security inter-ests in Europe.

USS Ross Conducts Underway Engagement with Romanian Navy

Ensign Anthony Joseph and Chief Boatswains Mate Munira Ferah watch as Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Billie Johnson guides a Romanian Puma helicopter to the flight deck aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) during an underway engagement with the Romanian Navy, Friday. Ross, homeported in Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interest in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones)

FroM CoMMander, U.s. naval ForCes eUrope-aFriCa/ U.s. 6th Fleet pUBliC aFFairs

8 November 13, 2014 C LnaVsta ro t a / na V y Co l l e g e ne w s

Upcoming NMCRS ClassesThe Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) has classes to help welcome that new addition. Check out the upcoming November classes. Sibling Class: Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the OB/GYN clinic at the hospitalBreast-feeding Support Group: Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to noon at the Child Development Center breast-feeding room.Labor and Delivery: Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Health Promotions kitchen at the hospital.The Baby Basics class is canceled for November and December.

Need a few items?Check out the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shop before paying full price. The Thrift Shop is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with priority shopping 11 to 11:30 a.m. for active duty and their families. The next special opening will be Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the same priority shopping time.

Preschool Services for Children with DisabilitiesChild Find for children 3 - 5 years of age is an ongoing outreach program that lo-cates and identifies children who may have developmental delays or educational disabilities and need special services. If you have concerns regarding your child's development please contact 727-4185 or 727-4435.

WIC Overseas Women, Infants and Children Overseas is a nutrition, education and supplemental food program for qualified members of the uniformed services, civilian employees, DoD contractors living overseas and their family members. Participants include pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women, infants and children up to age 5. WIC benefits include one-on-one nutrition counseling, nutrition and health screen-ings, breast-feeding education, breast pump loan program, infant and child feeding tips and drafts redeemable for nutritious foods. Call 727-2921 for more information.

Alcoholics Anonymous MeetingsAlcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are scheduled every Thursday, 8 p.m. at the base chapel. Another alternative is AA live chat online; search ‘AA’ or “Alcoholics Anonymous.’ Call DAPA at 727-2529 (VPN 18-727-2357) for more information.

Prepare for the SAT or ACT NoweKnowledge is donating SAT/ACT Test Prep Programs worth $200 to all active duty, retired, veterans, Guard, Reserve, their family members, DoD employees and civilians performing military support, as well as their family members. Materi-als may be ordered online at http://www.eknowledge.com/DANTES or by calling 951-25-6407.

Visit these schools in the Community Services Building dur-ing their office hours, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ERAU Offers Five Ways to Make Earning Your Degree EasierEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has the graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs to help you achieve your academic and career goals. While in Rota, with Embry-Riddle Worldwide, you can get your education in a way that works best for you: in the traditional classroom, available at more than 150 locations through-out the world; online, from anywhere across the globe; EagleVision Classroom-web video conferencing between classrooms; EagleVision Home Web video conferenc-ing from the convenience of your home; and Blended, which allows you to combine learning modes to suit your lifestyle. Visit our website at http://worldwide.erau.edu or contact your local office at [email protected] to learn about available programs and courses. Call ERAU at 727-2984.

Power Up with UMUC Europe EducationUniversity of Maryland University College (UMUC) Europe is offering a $50 applica-tion fee waiver, through Nov. 30.

UMUC Offers Multiple DegreesThere’s a reason more than 93,000 students have chosen UMUC. They have expe-rienced faculty with professional knowledge, plus UMUC is regionally accredited and internationally recognized. UMUC Europe offers several certificate programs, along with many associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs. On top of that, there are many other degree options through the UMUC Stateside Campus. Stop by the UMUC office here in Rota and find out how UMUC can help you reach your academic

See NAVY COLLEGE NEWS | page 9

November 13, 2014 9C L na V y Co l l e g e / dgF / FFsC ne w s

goals. They are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you can't stop by their office in the Community Service Building (CSB), call them at 727-2917 or email them at [email protected].

Central Texas College (CTC) Classes Central Texas College is a regionally accredited college serving various certificate degree programs. Currently, CTC is offering four face-to-face degree programs in criminal justice, fire protection, child development and hospitality management. CTC face-to-face courses are eight weeks long, one night a week, 6 - 9 p.m. There are several other available online degree programs, and registration for these is open every month. If you’re inter-ested in enrolling and registering to take classes, please contact CTC field representatives for more information at 727- 2574 or email CTC at [email protected].

OU Offers Master of Human Relations The University of Oklahoma offers a Master of Human Relations. The Master of Human Relations program offers emphasis in organizational studies, counsel-ing and the helping professions and social change. Face-to-face classes are taught Tuesday through Friday, 6 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Online classes are also available each semester. The MHR is a non-thesis program which includes four core classes, six electives and one internship experience for a total of 36 semester hours. For more information, call OU at 727-2799 or email at [email protected].

Thanksgiving BreakDue to Thanksgiving, there will no school for all stu-dents Nov. 27 and 28.

Early ReleaseSchool improvement day Dec. 5, early release at 1 p.m. for elementary school students and 1:15 for middle and high school students.

Infant Massage Every Thursday in October and November, 3 to 4 p.m. Infant massage is a way to gently nurture and spend time with you baby. It helps your baby relax and sleep, it can positively affect infant hormones that control stress, and reduce crying. This is a series of four weekly classes taught by certified educators in infant massage. For more information or to register please contact Melinda King at the FFSC at 727-3232.

Survival Spanish with Sr. Clemente Thursday and Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come and enjoy FFSC Rota's 14-hour Spanish course for be-ginners during the months of October, November, and December. This course for beginners is simple and fun. These lessons are useful, easy, and interesting and will help you from speaking no Spanish at all to being able to fulfill basic communication needs. Don't miss this free

opportunity to learn Spanish while in Rota!

Nurturing Parenting for New, Expectant Every Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. Developed by Stephen J. Bavolek, Ph.D., the Nurturing Parenting Support Program provides specific parenting techniques to help parents build trust and self-esteem in their children, engage cooperation, and find a helpful approach to discipline. Nurturing is the ability to care for and foster growth in us and others. We all need to be nurtured - to receive understanding, respect, recognition, praise, se-curity, limits, and appropriate expectations. A nurturing parent-child relationship is crucial for producing the next generation of healthy, responsible, and self-sustaining adults. All expectant parents or those with children birth to age 3 are encouraged to attend these interactive, free sessions. If interested in a New Parent Support con-sultation or to sign up for the workshop, call 727-3232.

Business Résumés Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. Ten seconds. That is the aver-age time a prospective employer takes to first review your résumé. Discover the key elements on a résumé and how to catch the employer’s eye. Learn how to market yourself for your dream job. Call 727-3232 to sign up.

T-GPS Boots to BusinessThursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration as an elective track within the Depart-ment of Defense’s Transition Goals, Plans, Success

Call 727-3232 to pre-register for all FFSC functions.

continued from page 9Navy College News

See FFSC NEWS | page 11

10 November 13, 2014 C Lre l i g i o n

Kids Program at Brindo Mi VidaJoin us for The Gospel Project for Kids, a Sunday school class for your little

ones at Brindo mi Vida. Brindo Mi Vida (I Offer My Life) is a casual, experiential Christian worship, centered around fellowship and communion. Eat dessert, drink coffee and explore with them a deeply spiritual, yet very practical rela-tionship with God. Every Sunday, 6 p.m. at the chapel. Visit their website at http://brindomivida.blogspot.com.

CHAPLINES

chaPlain Rob heSS

From the Field, the Sea: Fighting the MundaneFall asleep from sheer exhaustion. Wake up 60- to

90-minutes later soaked in your own sweat because the berthing area is 2 million degrees hotter than Hades.

It’s so hot, the red dude with horns and a pitchfork wants out. Roll over. Ex-perience a faint sensation of coolness as sweat begins to slowly evaporate off of freshly exposed skin. Drift back to sleep during that very brief window of semi-comfort only to wake up with sheets and body drenched yet again. It’s the kind of

atmospheric heaviness where oxygen seems to be in short supply. Breathe. Roll over again. Wake up once more because you’re hacking up bits of your lungs. It seems an exotic, viral “bug” that hitched a ride from visiting, foreign crew members has found a new home. Now your shipmates are awake - and slightly agitated. Wake up twice or thrice more because your achy back and sore hip are screaming at you to secure a mattress for your rack that hasn’t recently won seven awards on the South Beach Diet. Repeat process ad nauseam. Is that my alarm?! Another 16-hour workday? OMG, shake my head.

Ship-life can be rather painful.A day in the life of a Marine is not exactly a walk in

the park either. If you go to the field with the Marines, it’s essentially

setting up camp in the wilderness. We go on convoys, do live-fire training on the ranges, and other combat-related exercises that are designed to develop the Marines with the necessary skills, physical strength, and mental tough-ness as they prepare for combat. It’s what you might call “roughing it.” There are no showers. After weeks in the field my wife, Heather, would make me disrobe in the garage. The smell - well, that’s all that needs to be said about that. As for heads (bathrooms), let’s just say

they prefer a more organic approach. For a step up in modern conveniences, use an Internet search engine for “Wag Bags” - a slick system for meeting all your defecatory (bowel) needs. All sleeping is done on the hard ground with that one rock that always finds your sweet spot and digs deeply and painfully into your flesh and bone. I swear it’s the same rock every time that is hell-bent on making your life miserable. Chow consists of MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat), not your favorite, mouth-watering steak or classic burrito. Whatever you do, don’t eat the Egg Omelette MRE. Don’t even think about it. It’s often bone-chilling cold at nights. Yes, even in the Mojave Desert where the scorching heat can get up to 120-degrees or more in the summer months. Long days and very, very short nights. And unfortunately, 60 or more pounds of gear on your back with a Kevlar helmet that enjoys inflicting pounding headaches.

Even here in Rota, where there are many more mod-ern amenities, there is no popular outdoors store and it’s near impossible to hunt deer! Or, how about a donut shop or favorite gas-station treat? Name your favorite Ameri-can convenience here: _________________. Most importantly, though, there is a separation from family and friends that can be quite excruciating at times. Six-month old, unborn twins never to see the light of day. The aunt dying of cancer and losing memory daily to dementia. Dear John or Dear Sally letters: “I’m leaving and tak-ing the children and everything with me while you’re on patrol.” Our loved ones suffering back in the states, and we feel helpless. So, so far away. Or maybe we miss our brother’s firstborn celebration. Or our parents’ 50th anniversary. Or maybe Christmas, the one time all year when our family gathers in one place from across the U.S.

Every military and Department of Defense community, here in Rota and across the globe, makes sacrifices.

Despite all of this, many of us enjoy being stationed overseas, deploying on a ship, or taking to the field on a mission. There are a variety of reasons of course, but for one, it teaches us to have a deeper appreciation for things we once took for granted. A few tenderly exchanged

words on the phone with someone you deeply care about. A real, comfortable bed, the kind that feels like you’re floating on a cloud. An ice-cold caramel macchiato and a sizzling steak fresh off the grill. A hot shower. Simple comforts, yes. But absolutely “indescribably-beyond-words” experiences when you’ve gone without. That first shower when you come back from the field - the one that makes you feel human again. That first, real meal = eaten ever so slowly in order to savor every flavor-packed morsel. And that first touch or cuddle with your spouse or significant other - electric, as sparks leap from your skin.

Essentially, we are learning, all over again, to enjoy what we normally would consider the “small” things in life, things we would normally take for granted. Ho-hum, everyday events. People, places, events, and conver-sations with which familiarity breeds contempt. The de-privation, sacrifice, and suffering of being in the military, however, resurrects life from the mundane. Rescues joy from monotony. Salvages satisfaction from the simple. These types of experiences teach us a valuable lesson if we have ears to hear.

As humans, we all too often look for ways to escape deprivation, sacrifice, and suffering. After all, who re-ally wants to suffer? So we run and run. But we soon discover there is no escape. It follows us everywhere. Rather than fleeing, maybe we should consider using our sacrifice and deprivation as a means to enriching our life experience, to teaching us to be present in every moment, no matter how mundane it first appears. To see every experience as an opportunity to live fully and deeply, and to contribute something to the world and those around us; to accelerate our spiritual formation.

As Americans, we all too often indulge ourselves in the countless pleasures at our disposal. We have a tendency to consume as if there is no end and as if our happiness depends on it. We sometimes fail to realize, as a people and a culture, that what we seek is not and cannot be found solely or wholly in these pleasures. Perhaps it is in that end where God begins.

November 13, 2014 11C L FFsC ne w s

(Transition GPS). The curriculum provides valuable assistance to transitioning service members and their dependents exploring self-employment opportunities by leading them through the key steps for evaluating busi-ness concepts and the foundational knowledge required for developing a business plan. For more information or to register call 727-3232.

Pre-Deployment Brief Thursday, 11 a.m. to noon. Whether you are single or married, preparing for deployment has practical and emotional aspects to consider. This workshop covers financial aspects, communication, and coping strategies. Spouses and family members are highly encouraged to attend, in order to help them prepare for this often-stressful period. Call 727-3232 to pre-register.

Smooth Move Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Have orders? Getting ready to move? Then you should be signing up for this course. It is designed for all military personnel, Department of Defense civilian personnel, and family members depart-ing the local area. Even if it is your umpteenth move, you might get some new and useful information about the move process, as well as, information about your new duty station. Pre-registration is required. Call 727-3232 for more information or to sign up.

Command Financial Specialist TrainingMonday through Nov. 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exciting, interactive five-day class will help military members be more aware of their personal financial situation. Come get all of the information you will need to be a financial resource at your command. The class will cover the need for the personal financial management program, debt

management, savings and investing, retirement plan-ning, insurance, and car buying as well as learning how to be an effective financial counselor. The Navy needs highly motivated and influential senior military personnel to help service members become more financially aware. This Command Financial Specialist (CFS) class will also be a refresher class for any CFS who has previously re-ceived training but needs the latest materials and to dust off those financial skills. Call 727-3232 to pre-register.

What Men Need in Labor Nov. 20, 9 to 11 a.m. Labor is a challenging and stressful time for both parents, and yet the emotional concerns and challenges faced by fathers are frequently overlooked. Isn’t it time we asked what men need during labor? This workshop is designed to give dad’s of expectant moms the skills they will need to have during labor, how to ef-fectively coach, and through effective communication promote a more positive experience for both parents. If interested in a New Parent Support consultation or to sign up for the workshop, please contact FFSC at 727-3232 or email Melinda King at [email protected].

Credit Management Nov. 24, 9 to 10 a.m. I owe, I owe, it’s off to work I go. Wondering if you’re using credit appropriately? Find out what determines the cost of credit and discover your own debt ratio and the warning signs of too much credit. Sign up at 727-3232.

New Military Spouse Orientation Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to noon. The goal of this workshop is to provide pertinent information to new military spouses to support their entrance and ease their transition into military culture. The workshop will empower partici-pants by “demystifying” the military culture, address-ing the basic of accessing installation resources, and reviewing the vast array of resources available. For

more information or to register, please call 727-3232 or email [email protected].

Interviewing Techniques Nov. 25, 10 to 11 a.m. Nervous about interviewing? If you want to know the secrets to successful interviewing, sign up for this hands-on experience of a lifetime. Call 727-3232 for more details and sign up.

Cultural Field Trip: Olive Oil Mill at Zahara de la SierraNov. 28, 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. (spend Thanksgiving with FFSC Rota) Winter is quickly approaching and in Andalucía this means is time to harvest olives. Come discover the process of Andalusian oil; tasting will be available. Zahara is one of the famed white villages of Cadiz with typical and irregular narrow cozy streets full of shops and restaurants. Come with us to visit one of the oldest oil mills in the area; where you will have the opportunity to see how olive oil is produced. Call 727-3232 for registration.

continued from page 9FFSC News

As a reminder to all hands, the shipment of al-cohol through the U.S. Postal System is unauthor-ized. Labeling the shipment as "olive oil" or similar makes the offense more egregious. Not only is it against regulation and can result in a postal offense/loss of postal privileges, it also causes loss/damage of other mail as these items usually break and leak over other items. Please share this with your family members as we have had official records (including medical records) ruined and other people's personal items damaged as a result of people attempting to ship alcohol through the mail system.

Mail reMinders

12 November 13, 2014 C Lare a aC t i V i t i e s

Music

Feria del libro Antiguo y de Ocasion (old and used book fair), through Sunday, Alameda de Cristina (downtown), Jerez de la Frontera

Crafts and secondhand market, Calle Compas del Convento (by main public market), every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rota

Alcazar de Jerez, oldest Moorish Fortress of Jerez, camara obscura, octogonal tower, Arab gardens, Villavicencio Palace, oil mill, mosque and Arab baths, Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Flea Market, Sundays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Alameda Vieja (by the Moorish castle), Jerez de la Frontera

Sevilla bullring guided tours, daily, 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., tickets €7, Mon-days, 3 - 7 p.m., entrance is free. Call 954-22-4577

Sevilla Reales Alcázar (Moorish fortress) guided tours, daily, 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., tickets €8.75

Sevilla Cathedral and Giralda tours, Mondays, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays, 2:30 - 6 p.m., tickets €8

Ruta de los Sentidos, a guided tour in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Saturdays, 10:15 a.m., visit http://www.rutadelossentidos.com

Ruta por El Puerto y Bodegas Osborne, guided tour, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m., tickets €10 for adults and €5 for chil-dren, call 697-34-5807

Como Bailan los Caballos Andaluces (How Andalusian Horses Dance), every Tuesday and Thursday, noon, Recreo de las Cadenas, Duque de Abrantes Avenue, Jerez de la Frontera, tick-ets €19 - 25, call 956-31-8008 or visit http://www.realescuela.org

River Journey Sanlúcar-Guadalquivir River-Doñana Park, Real Fernando Ship, Fabrica de Hielo, Bajo de Guia, daily, 10 a.m., tickets adults €16.50, children €8.20, call 956-36-3813 or visit

Eat/DrinkRuta del Mosto (unfermented wine route) through Nov. 30, El Puerto de Santa Maria

Ruta del Mosto (unfermented wine route) through Jan. 31, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Gonzalez Byass Bodega - Jerez de la Frontera, Monday - Saturday at noon, 1, 2, and 5 p.m., tickets €12 - 15

Sandeman Bodega - Jerez de la Frontera, Mondays, Wednes-days and Fridays 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

Barbadillo Bodega - Sanlúcar, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11 a.m., tickets €3

Flamenco

ArtsActivities

Holiday Markets

Entre Azoteas, painting display by Cecilio Chaves, through December, Mercado Central, Cadiz

Permanent painting display by Marina Anaya, through December, Mercado Central, Cadiz

Permanent sculpture display by Cornellis Zitman, Casa de Iberoamerica, Cadiz

Flamenco recital by Maria Jose Franco, Thursday, 8:30 p.m., Teatro Villamarta, Jerez de la Frontera, tickets €12

Flamenco recital by Jesus Mendez, Tomasa Guerrero and La Ma-canita, Saturday, 8:30 p.m., Teatro Villamarta, Jerez de la Frontera

International Flamenco Week, through Sunday, Conil, for more information visit http://www.guiadecadiz.com

Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen, Friday, 9 p.m., Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones, La Linea de la Concepcion, Cadiz, tickets €35

Fito @ Fitipaldis in concert, Nov. 22, 10 p.m., Chapin Sports Pavillion (by soccer stadium), Jerez de la Frontera

XXXIV Feria del Libro Antiguo y de Ocasión (new and used books), Tuesday through Dec. 9, Plaza Nueva, Seville, Mon-day through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and festivals, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

Feria del Belén de Sevilla (nativity scenes Christmas market), Dec. 9 through 23, Calle Fray Caferino (next to the cathedral), Seville

Transito flamenco show by Marco Flores, Nov. 22, 9 p.m., Teatro Olivares Veas, Arcos de la Frontera, tickets €12

Flamenco show, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Fridays, 10:30, 11:30 p.m.

Flamenco show, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 p.m., El Lagar del Tio Parrilla, Plaza del Mercado, Jerez de la Frontera, 956-33-8334

Flamenco show, Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m., Tabanco “El Pasaje,” Santa Maria Street, Jerez de la Frontera

Do you know what number to call in an emergency?

DSN 727-2911Commercial: 956-82-2911

Spanish Emergency Number: 112


unmarried or same-sex couples, and still others have special needs.

“Just like the American family, we have all different shapes and sizes. … They all comprise this fabric of military families,” she said.

Families contribute to the U.S. military’s strong, resilient and ready force and to their communities as well, Thompson said.

“When we think of our military members and the values that they embody, such as courage and duty and ethics and loyalty, those same attributes are key to our military family members,” she noted.

Thompson said the department considers military families an integral part of the force.

“We like to say that military families serve, too,” she said. “Because without the support … that they provide the active-duty force and the Reserve component force, it would be very difficult for service members to do their mission.”

She continued, “I like to think that military families are right there, throughout the greatest challenges as well as right

there during the greatest triumphs of the service member.”Military Families Are Your NeighborsThe department can’t be everything to everyone, she

noted, “So we rely on the community assets where our service members and their families live - whether the faith-based community, or the school community.”

Military families in communities across America typically live, shop, go to school and worship with their neighbors. According to recent statistics from the Defense Manpower Data Center, 61 percent of all service members live in off-base housing, and 70 percent of married troops live off base.

“So that community needs to recognize the sacrifices that military families make,” Thompson said. She noted that November is “the perfect month for them to reach out and thank our military families for their sacrifice and what they do to support our nation.”

“They have challenges such as caring for aging parents, they may have children with special needs, they relocate on a much more stringent schedule than their civilian counter-parts, so children are changing schools and adapting to new environments,” Thompson said. “And I think America at large needs to recognize that, and to reach out, and step up, and thank them for their service.”

aw a re n e s s mo n t h

continued from page 4Families | Family Appreciation Kick the Habit

Join Nov. 20

14 November 13, 2014 C Lex p a t / na V y Br a t

“You want to hike in a national forest with a flier?” he asked, but it really wasn’t a question and we both knew it.

Of course, the story of our trip doesn’t begin here. It begins at our arrival in Zagreb, Croatia while waiting in a baggage claim with only two belts for our final suitcase to arrive - the one with all our hiking gear. The end result was an attempt in futility; the bag never showed.

“This is very strange. We have another flight coming in tomorrow, maybe it will be on that one.”

She rambled off a few more lines of rehearsed sincerity. Lines we became accustomed to every time we checked the status of our missing items in the days that followed.

We set out, nonetheless, on our adventure of ex-ploring some of Croatia’s most renowned parks. Our first stop was Plitvice Lakes National Park, a land of cascading water into pools of teal teaming with inquisi-tive fish with red fins. Everywhere, miniature bodies of aquamarine poured one into another, a seemingly endless fall of liquid dominoes as greenery burgeoned in every speck of soil that could support it. The land-scape revealed itself in hues of blue and green and always covered in dampness, which was the constant. A spectacular beauty only held in suspension by the continuous renewal of flowing water.

The majority of the paths that snaked their way through the park are of a simple rustic construction of log planks. Their simplicity lends not only to the aesthetics of the environment but also to the endur-ing hardiness of their purpose. The path itself is no larger than four feet wide, but somehow bolsters the continuous cycle of mobs that come to explore the park’s splendor. Plitvice sees thousands of tourists from around the world daily.

Luckily for us the relatively flat surface was fine for our only walking shoes, a pair of Vans and sandals. Although it rained throughout the first day we were there, we remained only half saturated by the constant deluge. Our jackets were also apart of our missing lug-gage, but a hoodie and a fleece proved almost worthy of keeping us warm and dry. The second day in the park proved exceedingly better for weather, although by the end our feet were nearly run through - pun intended. If it weren’t for the constant beauty that surprised at every turn in the park, I’m sure we would have felt the pain permeating from our feet miles before we actually finished the day. Plitvice is truly a park of aesthetic exploration.

Hvala (pronounced wala or u-ala) was one of the first words I learned in Croatian, though my vocabulary still is only a few words in total. Hvala means ‘thank you.’ A word or expression that should be learned for any country or culture you visit. Hvala always gained an expression of gratitude from anyone I said it to. Al-though I could not communicate beyond this in Croatian I could communicate my appreciation for an action or

(Photo by Jeff Anttila)

By JeFF anttila

tRavel columniSt

See CROATIA | page 15

Experience Croatia!

assistance to someone who went out of their way for a foreigner in their country.

After Plitvice Lakes National Park we headed south. The freedom of the open road and a rental car in my mind is one of the only ways to visit a new country. If I had time I would slow my pace down by either cycling or hiking across the land to see landscapes transform more subtly and to really appreciate the country on a more intimate level that can only be achieved by being in constant contact with it. But, unfortunately, time is precious when your vacation has an expiration date and there is much to see and do.

We found ourselves in the small town of Seline, near the main gate to Paklenica National Park. Paklenica is renowned as a rock climbing paradise. Numerous competitions are held here for speed climbing annually, but the park is also known for its amazing network of strenuous trails that stretch for days. And unlike Plitvice, this park did not have a flat surface for our beach wearing footwear. Fortunately, we found an outdoor store not too far from where we were staying, but because it is the only outdoor sporting good store (a chain of stores re-ally) in all of Croatia, their prices are ineluctably through the roof. Nonetheless, we were not going to let a lost suitcase - which contained our hiking boots, water packs, and all essential gear for our hikes - be the source of a failed adventure. So we purchased some brand new hiking boots for an intended long hike. Ironically, the boots my wife and I bought also matched. They were the only ones of a decent quality and a price we could

swallow. So although we are experienced hikers, it ap-peared to any passerby on the trail as if we were a new couple that just started dating and that we were exploring activities together in our matching gear. I didn’t have a problem with that as much as I did with the newness my boots expressed. I wanted to rub each boot in the dirt and mud just to make them appear somewhat abused and not so novice in appearance.

As we left the parking lot in our new mountain foot-wear and a backpack filled with plastic bottled water and snacks from the local minimart, we entered the trail, which immediately ascended at a steady degree that warmed muscles in our lower extremities to a light burning sensation. We knew we would have a good hike. Cliff faces of beautiful granite towered on us from both sides, and dozens of rock climbers worked their respective routes with audacious ease and accuracy. Like Spiderman doppelgangers in training, I thought. The day was beautiful and warm. Sweat easily budded on our faces and fell to the ground in large drops. When we found a rhythm to our breathing our pace increased as nature unfolded itself to us. Trees and rock jutted up around us, yet pealed away like an onion revealing new layers to the park’s hidden secrets. We climbed further on. Three hours later we approached the Mountain Hut - a cabin for hikers who plan to continue further into the wilderness. It’s a sort of starting point, like base camp at Mount Everest, just relatively a lot lower in altitude.

November 13, 2014 15C L ex p a t / na V y Br a t

Inside it we found a man willing to assist us in our exploration of the park.“You want to hike in a national forest with a flier?” it was never a question, simply

a rhetorical statement.The man’s face possessed a character that belied his sinewy form with long lean

muscles that could have only been formed from a life in the wilderness. “Do you have any jackets? The weather up top can change from sun to rain to ice

in minutes,” he said almost prophetically.“All we have is a hoodie and a fleece,” I begrudgingly admitted. I bit down hard,

clenching my jaw, knowing full well that our gear was still missing from our flight and how we must appear to this man of the mountain in our new matching boots.

“Those aren’t jackets. I wouldn’t recommend going up. You two look young and healthy, let me see your flier.”

I handed him the flier I took from the ranger’s office at the main gate to the park, which etched only a couple of paths up to the Mountain Hut. He pointed to a trail off to the side and said to follow it, and then referring back to the flyer traced his finger along a ridge we could follow for some time before reconnecting back to the main trail again. We thanked him (hvala), and a little embarrassed for being ill-equipped we went on our way.

The trail turned into a fantastic trek up steep switchbacks that eventually brought us to the ridge the mountain man had described with a magnificent view of the sur-rounding valleys. We stopped here to eat a small lunch and take pictures. However, only minutes passed before we saw dark clouds barreling slowly over the peaks to the north. We packed up quickly and began walking again, but only 20 or so minutes later the rains came followed by flashes of lightning and a cacophony of thunder. We quickened our pace but our new boots were beginning to work against us. Soreness and blisters were beginning to set in, as well as our boots began to fill with water - soaking in from the tops of ours socks down - prevented a speedy descent. Eventually we ran into a young couple from Denmark slowly making their way across the ridge. We joked about the weather and walked with them until we were completely saturated through, then said our goodbyes so we could descend a bit quicker. We laughed and joked our way down as small streams converged into small rivers and as every inch of our being was soaked thoroughly from the flood falling from the skies. After our trail reconnected to the main one, we made our way back to the car, walking on what felt more like sponges than boots by then. The next day we gathered our still wet clothing from their places hung around the flat into plastic bags and headed yet further south along the coast.

The lush green forests gave way to a more arid cli-mate with smaller and sparser flora, but then the blue of the Adriatic Sea drew all our attention. We entered Du-brovnik in the early afternoon, and after checking into our new flat we walked down the hundreds of stone steps into the old city and within its fa-mous walls. For those of you who watch Game of Thrones, the castle of Kings Land-ing is based off the walls of Dubrovnik. This magnificent construction is tall, wide, and formidable. Waves of the Adriatic crashed against the heights of the stone changing from a light blue into explosions of white foam. Kayakers and sail boats with masts bent with wind cruised past the walls and outer lying islands as we leisurely walked along the top of the wall taking pictures of the red roofs that inhibited the old city. Croatia is hemmed with more than 1,200 islands. If the weather held, we would go kayaking ourselves the following day and explore a few of them.

That’s when I woke the next morning to the sound of thunder rattling our windows. The storm seemed to have followed us south out of the mountains and down the coast. We called the kayak touring company to see if they canceled the trip, and indeed they did. However, an hour and a half later they called back saying the tour was on again if we were still interested, and indeed we were. The storm appeared to be letting up and our planned day kayaking in the Adriatic returned.

We met our guide, Vedran, and a few others joining the tour at Gruz Harbor, where we hopped on a ferry and set out for Lopud Island. Our group consisted of a unique menagerie of native English speakers from all different parts of the globe. There was a couple and a small group of three from Australia, a gentleman with an excellent beard from New Zealand, and another young lady from the U.K., and of course my wife and I represented the U.S. There were also three other girls from Malta, but after spinning in circles in their kayaks and one abruptly crashing back into the shore we set out from they decided not to do the trip after all. Not that one of the Australians did any better as he flipped his kayak over five times. I thought he was just messing around, but I later discovered he was just really bad at turning. He thought he needed to lean into it.

Eventually, we paddled our way across a long strip of ocean to another island where our guide surprised us with a hidden cave.

“You have to swim under the rock and just aim for my legs on the other side. What ever you do don’t surface until you’re past me.”

Vedran’s words were of no comfort as I looked at the water crashing into a wall of rock. No entrance seemed possible. I felt as if I were in a Tolkien story and I had to recite something in elfish for the path to show itself. But one by one we went under water, holding our breathe, and swimming hard against the current rushing in and out of the cave, and focusing our goggles for the shadowy body suspended ahead in the blue water. I have never been a strong swimmer. Although I swam my hardest, the current pushed my body to the side of Vedran’s floating body. I tried to correct my course but by now the current began lifting me toward the surface and if it weren’t for the hand of Vedran acting as a cushion between the rock and my head, I would have ended up coloring the water red. When I surfaced I had entered a nearly black room of rock only illuminated by the glowing pool of water from which we swam into and now treaded. The cave was unworldly, an alien environment that possessed an enchanting, even seductive allure that had to be experienced if for but a brief moment in time. Much in the same way Croatia itself must be experienced. It was a pinnacle moment in the trip and a perfect way to end such an amazing country. Hvala.

(Photo by Jeff Anttila)

continued from page 14Croatia | Plan your visit today

Jeff Anttila is a regular columnist, expatriate and Navy brat living in Rota. Find his articles here in The Coastline. The views, expressions, representations, along with any cultural or humorous references are solely reflective upon this autobiographer and his experiences. All photos by Jeff Anttila.(Photo by Jeff Anttila)

16 November 13, 2014 C Lte a m ro t a i n t h e sp o t l i g h t

YN3 Anastasia Martin

Team Rota in the Spotlight

A native of Westchester, New York, Yeoman 3rd Class Anastasia Martin joined the Navy in 2013. After completing basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, she attended Yeoman “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi for two months. In June 2013, Martin arrived in Rota, Spain and became the yeoman for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) resident agency on base.

Martin serves as an administrative specialist and does ad-ministrative work for more than five NCIS offices throughout Europe and Africa. Additionally, she shoulders the weights of 20 collateral duties and does a lot of logistical support as well. The logistical support is comprised of inventorying weapons and serving as the official mail manager for NCIS.

“I like my job because NCIS helps protect the Navy and the world from terrorism," said Martin. "It feels good to know I’m helping enforce safety and protection.”

Martin said her biggest accomplishment thus far is ad-vancing to petty officer 3rd class relatively quickly and she’s gearing up for the petty officer 2nd class exam.

Always one to help someone out, Martin’s favorite quote epitomizes this rare quality. “Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hands to do it,” from Proverbs 3:27.

By MC2 (sW) Grant WaMaCk

navSta Rota Public aFFaiRS

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant Wamack)

November 13, 2014 17C L road signs

Heavy Traffic Obstruction in roadway

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large), private parking, big basement, 80 m2 terrace with lots of sun and okay for barbecue. Call 629-73-7038.

S A N L Ú C A RLONG-TERM RENTAL HOUSE: 200 m2 rental house and attached apartment in a 430 m2 plot near beach and town center. Large garden and barbecue area, 5 bdrm., 2 bath, parking, 20 min. to the base, €2,100/mo., negotiable. Direct by owner. Email [email protected] or call 667-58-6839 for details, pictures and viewings. English fluently spoken. REF # 70061.

M I S C E L L A N E O U SBIBLE STUDIES: If you would like to have Bible studies in Morón please contact Pastor Beck at 651-10-4951 or http://www.bethelbaptistrota.com.

HOUSEKEEPER/CHILD CARE: I make houses sparkle and kids smile and am waiting for your call. I have a car, I live in Rota, speak English and can't wait to hear from you. Call Sandra at 647-13-6278.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS: Looking for native English instructors to work in Rota with chi ldren. Must possess Spanish work permit. Call 622-74-1735.

BICOCAS HOME CARE SERVICES: Looking for domestic HELP? Yes we can help you!! Would you like to employ a part time nanny, cook, cleaner, seamstress, babysitter or housekeeper in general? We will also help you with all the required documents. Ask for Manuela 678-45-5175 / [email protected]

PERSONAL TRAINER: Experienced personal trainer can help you reach your goals. Contact Carlos at 664-57-9018 or [email protected].

C A R D E TA I L I N G : H a n d wa s h i n g and detailing of any vehicle. Please c a l l M e r c h i a t 6 7 5 - 1 3 - 5 2 3 5 .

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT: Dog sitting, lots of experience who loves animals. Home care provider lots of experience. Worked in the States for 7 years. First aid, CPR and courses in child abuse detection, safety, learning environment and health, exc. references with lots of children and elderly experience, has transportation, excellent spoken English. Call Inma at 617-18-3881.

L O S T A N D F O U N DDo you think you lost or misplaced something? NAVSTA Rota Lost and Found may have it! We currently have lost property in our inventory. If you have lost or misplaced personal items please contact 727-LAWS (5297) and ask for a Lost and

Call 956-05-3624 or 600-89-8066.

E L P U E R T O A P A R T M E N T R I G H T O N T H E FUENTEBRAVIA BEACH WITH AMAZING VIEWS: 2 bdrm., 1 bath. lvg./dng. area and kitchen, A/C, heat, and solar panel system for hot water, furnished or unfurnished. Asking €1,100 (includes community fees). Listed in housing. Contact Coco at 699-79-4899 or Brigitte 956-85-1396.

CHALET IN EL CARMEN: 300 m2 built, 2 floors, 600 m2 lot, 5 very ample bdrms., dressing rooms, 4 full bath, large living room, game room, laundry room, large kitchen, enclosed fireplace w/vents, central heat and A/C, ground level parking with automatic gate. A-1153. Price: €2,100/mo. Call 667-46-1878 or 956-85-0183.

CHALET IN EL AGUILA: 250 m2 built, 2,000 m2 lot, 4 ample bedrooms, 3 ½ bath, enclosed fireplace w/vents, ample kitchen with off ice, central heat and air, pool, well, enclosed 2 car garage. A-1349. Price: €2,800/mo. Call 667-46-1878 or 956-85-0183.

ATTACHED HOUSE IN EL AGUILA: 200 m2 built, 2 very ample bedrooms plus 1 bedroom in the half basement, 3 bath, living room, separate dinning ro o m , k i tc h e n w i t h o f f i c e , l a rg e half basement, covered porch, yard, central heat and air, ground level parking. A-1381. Price: €1,500/mo. Call 667-46-1878 or 956-85-0183.

H O U S E F O R R E N T I N P U E R T O BEHIND BAILEY'S: 4 bdrm., 2 bath, "adosado" in quiet neighborhood, lvg./dng. rm. w/chimney, ample pantry in kitchen, breakfast nook w/skylight, large storeroom, deck off upstairs rear bedroom, balcony off upstairs front bedroom, A/C and heat, covered front porch and yard w/orange tree, off-street parking, 6 miles to USN HQ bldg, 10 min walk to beach. Tel: 649-43-9254.

TOWNHOUSE IN FUENTEBRAVIA: 3 minutes from the beach, ocean view from master bedroom. Kitchen, bathroom, living room with A/C and fireplace on main floor, 3 bdrm., and bathroom upstairs, small yard in front and back with driveway for car. Could be furnished if so desired. Listed in housing, €1,104/mo., negotiable. Call 637-07-0876.

SINGLE HOME IN PUERTO: 4 bdrm., 2.5 bath, large yard with fenced pool area, kids house and separate outbuilding, €2,100/month. Contact [email protected] or visit http://www.peraino.com/egipcia. Listed with housing.

B E A C H F R O N T P E N T H O U S E I N FUENTEBRAVIA: 3 bdrm., 2 bath with awesome views, furnished kitchen, nice spacious lvg./dng. area, A/C and heat, solar panel hot water, 2 beachfront terraces, underground parking for cars, asking €2K (includes community fees ). Sorry, no pets and no smoking on premises. Contact Coco at 699-79-4899 (English spoken).

TOWNHOUSE IN EL MANANTIAL: 135 m2, 3 floors, 4 bdrm., 2.5 bath, ample lvg./dng. room with fireplace, kitchen, terrace and patio, A/C in lvg. rm. and master bdrm., wood floors in bedrooms, marble in living room and kitchen, 2 minutes from the beach and next to the pine forest, €950/mo. (community fees included). Call 651-83-8588 or email [email protected].

J E R E ZSPACIOUS APARTMENT IN JEREZ FOR RENT: 5 bdrm., 4 bath, apartment in Jerez, Avda. Álvaro Domecq, doorman s e r v i c e s , € 9 0 0 / m o n t h . Co n t a c t m a r i a h i g u e r o t o c o n @ g m a i l . c o m .

R O T A COSTA BALLENA: Long-term 100 m2 rental penthouse apartment at the golf course by the sea. 3 bdrm., 2 bath, 100 m2 terrace with barbecue area. Parking, stores, and restaurants nearby. 10 min. to the base. Min. €1,800/mo., negotiable. Direct by owner. Email [email protected] or call 667-58-6839 for details, pictures and viewings. English fluently spoken. REF # 70520.

HOUSE FOR RENT: Avenida Jose Maria Ruiz Mateos, 25, listed and information in housing, €1,260 (negotiable), 4 bdrm., 2 bath., kitchen, lvg. rm. hobby rm. TV rm., library, air conditioning and heating, parking possibility, front and back courtyards, dog park, and wide roof terrace. Call 670-69-9487.

CLOSE TO BEACH: 4 bdrm., 3 bath, lvg./dng. room, fully equipped kitchen, air condition/heat, screened windows, large back patio with a nice storage room,sSide patio for 2 cars with gate remote, close to the beach and next to a park (5 minutes from base), Calle Playa de Aguadulce, 26, Rota. Telephone 956-81-6717, 678-14-5275

NEW DUPLEX IN ROTA: 3 bdrm., 2 bath, kitchen and laundry rm., lvg./dng. rm., garage, storage rm., central heating, A/C and fireplace, large terrace with views to the pool and rooftop terrace, €1,150/mo. Call Ana at 647-91-2971.

PRETTY TOWNHOUSE IN NEW AREA OF ROTA: Lots of light, 2 bdrm. (one

C3: 95K miles, b lue, in excel lent s h a p e , € 4 , 6 0 0 , 6 5 3 - 7 8 - 0 2 9 6 .

2005 HONDA CIVIC SPORT: New timing belt, water pump, well-maintained, like new, 39,800 miles, black, €4,900, 653-78-0296.

2 0 0 4 F O R D M O N D E O : S t a t i o n wagon, great family car in excellent mechanical shape, interior and exterior clean, low miles, €4,400, 653-78-0296.

2000 CITROEN XSARA HDi: Diesel, 121K miles, just passed ITV, timing belt just changed, owned by brother o f a g o o d m e c h a n i c , i n p e r f e c t shape, red, €2,950, 653-78-0296.

2006 MAZDA 6: Diesel, car is like-new, immaculate, 83K miles, €5,500, European spec., ITV passed, all the extras, timing belt, water pump, oil and filters all new, total up to date on maintenance. Call Ray, 653-78-0296.

2000 RENAULT CLIO: In nice shape, small and fuel efficient, 56K miles € 2 , 3 0 0 , d a r k b l u e , 6 5 3 - 7 8 - 0 2 9 6 .

F O R S A L ED I N I N G R O O M TA B L E : B roy h i l l dining room table with 6 chairs and matching china cabinet, $200. Call 606-54-1502 [email protected].

BABY SUPPLIES: Large collection of baby furniture to include cabinets, strollers, potty training, playpen, crib and mattress, bassinet, etc., all the furniture you need for babies 0 - 4 years old, everything negotiable. Call Rob at 722-37-6538 for details.

R E N T A L SHOUSES AND APARTMENTS: With sea views, pools and yards, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 bedrooms in Rota, Costa Ballena, Chipiona, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar, no rental fees to Americans. Call Antonio at 685-20-4466 or email a n t o n i o d u q m a q 5 2 @ y a h o o . c o m .

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Cleaning and maintenance, key handling, access to U.K. rental bookings. Call Ray at 653-78-0296.

C H I P I O N A1 0 0 - M E T E R S F R O M O C E A N : 1 bdrm., 1 bath, furnished, A/C, heat, €650/mo. (includes electricity and water). Call Duane at 625-08-2152.

APARTMENT BY CHIPIONA MARINA: 2 bdrm., 2 bath, underground parking, r o o f t o p t e r r a c e , 3 - m i n u t e w a l k to marina and beach, furn optional, €1,200/mo., negotiable, free Internet and cable, English-speaking landlords.

A U T O S2006 FIAT PANDA: In great shape, new timing belt, water pump, all maintenance to date, ITV good, great little fuel-efficient car, 68K miles, 5-doors, €3,600, 653-78-0296.

TOYOTA PERVIA: 7-seater, in great shape, gasoline, 79K miles, burgundy, €3,200, ITV good, all maintenance re c o rd s i n To yo t a , 6 5 3 - 7 8 - 0 2 9 6 .

MITSUBISHI CARISMA GLS SEDAN: Impeccable shape, fine driving car, new timing belt and all maintenance to date, ITV good, €2,600, 653-78-0296.

2000 CHEVROLET LANOS: 5- door hatchback, 89K miles, €2,500, 653-78-0296.

1999 HONDA CRV: ITV just passed, 2.0 gasoline, 4X4, 5-speed, sunroof, CD and radio, 115K miles, privately-owned, good car, €2,950, 653-78-0296.

2006 FIAT PANDA: New timing belt and ITV, in great shape and just reviewed and brought into great shape by top mechanic, 68K miles, €3,800, 653-78-0296.

AUTOMATIC MERCEDES 200 CLK: Coupe class, silver, 99K miles, €4,400, i n e x c e l l e n t s h a p e , l o o k s a n d drives like a new car, 653-78-0296.

1999 HYUNDAI RD CR11 SPORT CO U P E : S i l ve r, g o o d s h a p e, n i ce car, just had timing belt changed, ITV just passed, €2,300, 653-78-0296.

FORD PUMA: 1.7i ctec, coupe sports c a r, s i l v e r, i n e x c e l l e n t s h a p e , 95K mi les, €2,400, 653-78-0296.

1999 HONDA CRV: ITV just passed, 2.0 gasoline, 4x4, 5-speed, sunroof, CD and radio, 115K miles, privately owned, good car, mechanic reviewed, €2,950, 653-78-0296..

2006 SUZUKI IGNIS: Silver, diesel, 85K miles, mint, €5,400, 653-78-0296.

2006 RENAULT GRAND TOUR STATION WAGON: 56K miles, new timing and accessory belt, new water pump, oil and filters changed, ITV good, €4,950, 653-78-0296.

2 0 0 0 B M W 3 1 6 : M - S p e c m o d e l, 5-speed, low, miles, original owner since new, always garaged and serviced at BMW, A/C, radio, CD, silver with cloth seats. This car is like new, only 50K miles, €3,500. Call 654-08-8362.

1993 VOLKSWAGEN VENTO 1.6: 4-door, gasoline, manual, good car for new arrivals, runs good, good gas mileage, reliable, will pay for ITV inspection in November, $1,500 OBO. Call Duane at 625-08-2152.

2 0 0 4 A U T O M A T I C C I T R O E N

Found Custodian to identify/claim your item. We will try to contact owners of lost items if there are personal identifiers available. All items will be disposed of after 90 days.

E M P L O Y M E N TNEX: Come work for us! Search for jobs, apply online or just create a profile for future job openings all at the click of a button! Visit http://www.NavyExchange.jobs

HRO: Safety and occupational health specialist, GS-0018-07/09, closes Monday; Support services assistant, GS-0303-05/06/07, closes Friday; Legal assistant, GS-0986-05, closes Wednesday; and Project support manager (IN VALENCIA), GS-03019-12, closes Nov. 25. SPANISH POSITION: No open positions. Customer service hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-in hours are 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments can be made from noon to 4 p.m. Call 727-1643 for more info

MWR: CYP assistant, CY-I//II (flex), CYP assistant, CY-II (part time), CYP assistant, CY-I/II (full time), Cashier, NF-01 (flex), Club operations assistant, NF-02 (flex), Bartender, NF-03 (flex), Recreation aide, NF-01 (flex) and, Recreation assistant, NF-02 (flex - Located in Madrid). Applications and forms can be downloaded and submitted through Rota MWR's website by visiting http://www.rotamwr.com. No need to come to the office, fill it out and submit it all from your home.

November 13, 2014 19C L ou t a n d aB o u t

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, center, takes a picture with sailors on the fo'c’sle of USS Ross (DDG 71) in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday. Ross is an Arleigh Bruke-class guided-missile destroyer, homeported in Rota, Spain, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interest in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones)

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Navy Facilities Engineering Command contractors lift and place a prefabricated roof structure on the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Rota Aquatic Center, Monday. Placing the roof is a major component to finishing this project, which is expected to be completed and ready for operation in February 2015. . (Photo courtesy of Jeff Sias)

Sailors aboard USS Ross (DDG 71) secure the ship to a tug boat to enter port in Istanbul, Turkey while on deployment, Sunday. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones)

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nov 13, 2014 - the coastline

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