Volume 12, Issue 36 Friday, August 26, 2011

Woods takes the helm

JTF welcomes new commander

Chronicling the reef

Part 2 of last week’s 

in-depth science feature

PLUS:

Razzle, dazzle

Cirque Odessey delights 

GTMO audiences
Cc

ommand

orner

The Wire | Page 2

The WIRE is the official news magazine of Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo. It is produced by the JTF Public Affairs Office to 

inform and educate the Troopers of JTF Guantanamo through 

news, features, command guidance, sports and entertainment. 

The WIRE seeks to provide maximum disclosure with minimum 

delay with regard to security, accuracy, propriety and policy. 

This DoD news magazine is an authorized publication for the 

members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The WIRE 

are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. 

Government, the Department of Defense, or Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo. It is printed by the Defense Logistics Agency 

Document Services with a circulation of 1,200.

Command Corner

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Navy Rear Adm. David Woods

Command Master Chief

Command Master Chief Reynaldo Tiong

Office of Public Affairs Director

Navy Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928

Deputy Director

Air Force Maj. Amy A. Oliver: 9927

Operations Officer

CW2 Scott Chapman: 3649

Senior Enlisted Leader

Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel: 3499

 

The Wire

Executive Editor:

Army Sgt. Meredith Vincent: 3651

Layout Assistant: 

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angebrand

Photojournalists:

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class 

Marquis Whitehead

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Spc. Kelly Gary

Pfc. Justin Pierce

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3651

From the continental United States

Commercial: 011-53-99-3499

DSN: 660-3499

E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

COVER: Rear Adms. David Woods and Jeffrey Harbeson render hand salutes during the 

playing of the national anthem at the Joint Task Force Guantanamo change of command 

ceremony, Wednesday. Harbeson was relieved by Woods as commander of the JTF.

As I assume command of JTF Guantanamo, I am extremely 

impressed with both the warm welcome I have received and the 

professionalism I have seen in the past few days. It is apparent to 

me there is broad understanding of the importance of this critical 

mission. Leadership throughout the chain of command is engaged to 

ensure the “safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of 

the detainees” entrusted to us. They are equally focused and engaged 

to ensure our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardsmen, civilians 

and contractors are taken care of in both quality of life and career 

development. I assure you that during my tour we will maintain 

this focus and strive to make incremental improvements to remove 

distractions.

This is a unique command, and I will work hard to build my 

situational awareness across the JTF and engage on issues quickly, 

but thoughtfully. We will consider appropriate changes that are 

condition-based and fully vetted – and will implement only those in 

which we understand the associated risk. I do not intend to start a 

“countdown calendar,” but do intend to drive down issues that divert 

our focus.

I am a Naval Flight Officer and have been operational for the 

majority of my career. This is my fifth command tour and second 

joint command tour. Each of my previous commands came with 

challenges, and JTF GTMO is no different in that respect. We will 

tackle significant events over the next year to eighteen months. These 

events combined with fiscal challenges will result in changes across 

the Department of Defense which will affect our command. I want 

each member of the JTF to stay locked on to our mission and let me 

deal with these external factors to minimize their impact on you.

Again, I want to say thank you for the warm welcome from 

each of you and from Naval Station Guantanamo. You are all true 

professionals and I am honored to be joining such a diverse and 

effective team. I look forward to putting my all into this significant 

mission which we will continue – without fail. Our motto “Honor 

Bound to Defend Freedom” is just as meaningful today as the day 

it was adopted. The nation expects our success and we will not 

disappoint. Honor Bound! 

 

Trooper to Trooper featuring

Senior Chief Petty Officer 

Robin Guy

This week Joint Task Force Guantanamo said farewell to Rear 

Adm. Harbeson and hailed the arrival of Rear Adm. Woods. 

With the arrivals and departures of military members, the Navy 

traditionally takes the time to hold ceremonies and celebrations 

to commemorate this change. We show our enthusiasm and 

acceptance of the new arrival and let the departing member know 

we appreciate a job well done. 

The Navy Chief ’s Mess has a responsibility to teach and pass 

along these Navy traditions. In keeping with that sentiment, let 

me provide this wisdom to you: Hail and Farewell is a translation 

of “ave atque vale,” the last words of the poem Catullus 101, 

written by the Latin poet, Gaius Valerius Catullus (ca. 84 BC – 

ca. 54 BC). The Hail and Farewell is a traditional military event 

whereby those coming to and departing from an organization are 

celebrated by those who served with them. This may coincide 

with a change of command, be scheduled on an annual basis or 

be prompted by any momentous organizational change. This 

celebration builds organizational camaraderie, esprit de corps and 

supports a sense of continuity through change. These events are 

often an emotional time for military members as we say goodbye 

to those who made an impact on our lives and we look forward to 

opening the door for the next exciting adventure awaiting us.

When I started this article, I focused on the arrival and departure 

of our leadership. I realize we are all in a time of transition at 

JTF GTMO. As I look around the JTF today, I notice many new 

faces and am saddened by the memory of the familiar faces who 

recently left the island. This article is for all those who have 

recently arrived; we hail you and look forward to working with 

you. For all who have moved on to meet the next challenge, it 

has been an honor and privilege to serve with you, farewell.

On behalf of the JTF GTMO team: Rear Adm. Harbeson, we 

| Trooper to Trooper The Wire | Page 3

PSEC ALERT

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT!

The Math of Risk

Have you ever wondered how we calculate risk? Risk is the probability an adversary will gain knowledge of 

your critical information and the impact if the adversary is successful. To have any type of risk you must have 

three things: threat, vulnerability and impact. If any one of those are missing, then there is no risk. So with 

this information we can use the following equations: Threat x Vulnerability x Impact = Risk, or Probability x 

Impact = Risk. So use these equations in calculating risk. You might be higher in risk than you think. 

Senior Enlisted Leader, J2

salute you. Farewell and following seas, Sir, we will see you in the 

fleet! To Rear Adm. Woods, welcome aboard, Sir! We are “Honor 

Bound to Defend Freedom.”
The News from the Bay | Wire | Page 4

News from the Bay Stories and reporting by

 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand 

and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Group exercise class 

incentive program 

Now, reap more benefits to working 

out than ever before with Morale, Welfare 

and Recreation’s new group exercise 

incentive program.

The program gives each participant a 

exercise card for a designated prize. Once 

the card is filled up by attending fitness 

classes, the member will receive a gift. 

“For each class they attend, the 

instructor will put his or her initials on 

the card,” said Tanya Henigman, MWR 

fitness coordinator. 

Once that prize card is filled, the 

Trooper will bring the card to Denich 

Gym, receive their prize and get the next 

level card. 

“This is a win/win program – not 

only can you get in the best shape ever 

attending classes, you get prizes now, 

too,” Henigman explained. 

Henigman hopes the program will 

get more patrons interested in attending 

classes and let those who do attend know 

that MWR appreciates their attendance.

“We want to provide the best we can 

for the Troopers who give 100%,” she 

added.

For more information, call x4113.

Liberty hosts Ferry 

Landing Beach Day

Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Liberty 

team is hosting a fun day at Ferry Landing 

Beach, Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

MWR’s Liberty Program Coordinator 

Jill Lynch said it is a day to relax and float 

for all unaccompanied active duty military 

members.

The event is free and snacks, drinks, 

rafts and beach games will be available. 

“It’s a great way to unwind after a long 

week at work,” Lynch concluded.

For more information, call MWR 

Liberty at x2010.

MWR offers free 

sailing classes - try it

Morale, Welfare and Recreation offers 

free sailing lessons at the marina to all 

Guantanamo Bay residents.

Anthony Henry, sailing instructor at 

the MWR Marina, has been giving sailing 

lessons for the past eight years to those 

brave enough to give sailing a try. Don’t 

miss the opportunity while stationed on 

the island. 

“You don’t need any qualifications to 

begin taking lessons,” said Cory Geiger, 

MWR business manager. “We will teach 

an avid boater or someone who has never 

stepped foot on a boat before.”

Sailing is a skill to learn, but is also 

a good way to relax. It may be just the 

thing to alleviate a chaotic work week.

“This is a good way to relieve stress,” 

explained Henry. “There is no engine to 

make noise. It’s very peaceful.”

While sailing, participants will see 

marine life and other sites of interest.

“We see turtles, manatees, dolphins 

and even sharks,” said Henry. “It’s so 

quiet they don’t even hear us and it’s easy 

to see them.”

For more information, or to make a 

reservation, call Henry at x2345.

Be a youth soccer coach

for GTMO community

Take this opportunity to influence 

Guantanamo Bay’s youth. The local soccer 

league is looking for volunteer coaches.

Troopers interested can pick up a volunteer 

packet at the Youth Center from 2:30 to 6 p.m. 

Monday through Friday. 

Volunteers should enjoy working with 

children, have some soccer knowledge and 

should plan on attending all training and 

coaches meetings.

Be a leader and develop the next generation 

of USA Soccer and earn hours toward 

community service at the same time.

For more information on becoming a 

coach, call x55346.

Calling all talented 

musicians: turn it up

Guantanamo Bay is looking for the musically inclined, in particular those that play country, 

rock and R&B styles of music.

Musicians must have their own equipment 

and instruments.

Auditions are required for the selection process. Contact Jim Estep at x55102 for more 

information or email ron@parkerandparker.

com.

Don’t forget to sign up 

for softball all-nighter

Sign up by Aug. 30 for the Labor Day 

weekend One-Pitch, All-Night Softball 

Tournament taking place Sep. 2. Space is 

limited to 12 teams and rosters are open to ages 

16 and up.

“This One-Pitch, All Night tournament is 

a great opportunity for those Troopers who 

are usually up all night on shift work to relax 

and have some fun,” said Morale, Welfare 

and Recreation Sports Coordinator Alana 

Morrison. “If a Trooper does not have a team, 

they are more than welcome to sign up on our 

players pool and we will place them on a team 

for the tournament.” 

Softball is one of the most popular sports 

on the island, Morrison added.

“Softball is a great sport to have in GTMO, 

because it is not only fun but it is a great way 

to socialize with your teammates and also get 

to know new people here on base. If you have 

wanted a more competitive softball game, this 

tournament is a great opportunity since it is 

only One-Pitch and you either hit or you are 

out!”

Morrison who has been involved with 

softball and baseball since she can remember 

also shared her personal feelings toward the 

sport.

“I love this sport because it is a little slower 

pace and it gives me a chance to get my mind 

off all the behind the scene work it takes to put 

a sporting program on. I really get the chance 

to hear from not only my team but from other 

teams what they like and what they don’t like 

about the sport.”

For more information, call x4113.

trooper

Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel

Bullet Bio

Time in service: 2.5 years

Hobbies: motorcycles, 

playing pool and paintball

Pet peeves: drama

Next goal: make 2nd class

Advice to junior Troopers: 

“Show initiative, never tell 

someone ‘no’ and compete 

with yourself.”

| News The Wire | Page 5

Since his days in elementary school 

when he penned the words on a piece of 

paper, Marcus Salmon wanted to be a Sailor. 

Enlisting in the Navy in 2009, he followed his 

life-long dream and the footprints left by a 

sibling.

“My older brother has been in for 

nine years as an AWF2 (naval aircrewman, 

mechanical 2nd class),” Salmon said.

Originally, the Cryptologic Technician, 

Maintenance, 3rd Class wanted to follow his 

brother’s chosen rate as an aircraft mechanic 

but problems with his initial enlistment put 

him on a different career path.

“I’m actually really happy things worked 

out this way,” the east Texas native said. 

“There’s more you can do (in the civilian 

sector) coming from my rate.”

Since starting work for Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo’s J2 section, Salmon’s leading 

chief petty officer, Cryptologic Technician, 

Interpretive Chief Andrew Meyer said he’s 

been impressed with the young Sailor’s 

willingness to ask for assistance without fear.

“If he (Salmon) doesn’t know something, 

he’s willing to ask,” the chief said. “That’s an 

important characteristic for a future leader.”

Meyer said he remembers when Salmon 

first arrived at the shop and initially, the chief 

had his concerns.

“I look at this Sailor with a broken foot, 

taking over the job of a second class and I’m 

thinking to myself, ‘What did Norfolk (Va.) 

send me?’” Meyer recalled. Fortunately, Salmon 

quickly put any fears to rest.

“Since he’s taken over maintenance of 

our equipment, we’ve had about a 98 percent 

uptime,” he said. “And that last two percent 

were things beyond his control.”

Looking at his Sailor’s future, Meyer said 

he expects Salmon to eventually overtake his 

brother in rank. Salmon attributes much of 

that to his upbringing.

“I may not have always agreed with my 

parents, but they raised me right,” said the softspoken Sailor with a slight Texas draw, who 

stressed the manners and work ethic instilled in 

him has been instrumental to his success.

“Fact, I actually got in trouble while in boot 

camp for calling someone ma’am,” he said.

Salmon said while he’s still undecided, a 

Boots on the Ground

What is your favorite song to sing or listen to at Wednesday night Karaoke?

“‘What I Got’ by Sublime is what 

I like. Most people remember 

the words to that song and then 

they can all sing along.”

Senior Chief 

Master-at-Arms

Cecil McQuain

 “I don’t think I sing great but 

I would like to perform. I like 

Jamie Fox’s song ‘Fall for you.’”

Mass Communication 

Specialist 1st Class 

Brian Dunn

Spc.

William Barnett

 “I would like to sing ‘Can’t Tame 

Me’ by Hannah Montana. If you 

just look at this face of mine 

then you’ll know why I like this 

song so much.” 

“‘Deeper than the Holler’ by 

Randy Travis. That’s the song 

that I sang to my wife when I 

asked her to marry me.”

Army Staff Sgt.

Tim Brooks

focus

Petty Officer 3rd Class 

 Marcus Salmon

career in the Navy is a possibility. Whatever 

course this 3rd class petty officer decides to 

take, the qualities that have carried him this 

far will continue moving him forward.
The Wire | Page 6 Sports |

Story and photo by 

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Summer soccer season kicks off

Morale, Welfare and Recreation kicked 

off their annual men’s and women’s summer 

soccer leagues this week as two dozen teams 

– made up of Joint Task Force and Naval 

Station Guantanamo personnel – took to the 

pitch in the first round of matches. 

The two-month sports league schedules 

matches two to three evenings a week at 

Cooper Field and Sports Complex, starting 

at 6 p.m. and sometimes ending late into the 

night.

“Growing up, I played soccer every day 

with my family and friends,” said Arturo 

Diaz, a forward with the Joint Medical Group 

Strikers. “I just got to the island – from what 

I understand the job here is pretty tough. I’m 

happy to have a little piece of home to look 

forward to after work.”

Out of all the MWR sports leagues held 

on Guantanamo Bay, soccer is the only one 

with a year-round following, drawing more 

than 50 players from the base community 

regularly said, MWR Sports Coordinator 

Alana Morrrison.

“I’m excited with the amount of 

participation and I think it’s great that some 

of our new Troopers have already signed up 

to play,” exclaimed Morrison. “It just makes 

me love my job more when I hear that our 

sports events are helping our Troopers have 

fun and relieve stress.”

It is important for players to leave their 

work off the field and even more critical 

to bring their best performances onto the 

playing ground.

“I played a lot of soccer growing up too, 

but the recreational league at my last duty 

station was very competitive,” said Edwin 

Garza, a goalie with the Joint Medical Group 

Strikers. “I feel like it’s going to be the same 

here because there are a lot of teams signed 

up and the military community is very 

diverse.”

Last season’s defending champions, the 

Fire Station, did not enter to defend their 

title.

“Even though the fire department team 

isn’t playing, many of their players have been 

picked up by other teams,” Morrison said. 

“Now the teams that were already good are 

even better with some of the added players – 

every team has a chance to win.”

For more information on Guantanamo 

Bay’s sports leagues, activities and schedules, 

contact the Denich Gym at x77262. 

Troopers commemorate 

Women’s Equality Day

Story by Spc. Kelly Gary

The words of suffragist Alice Paul, 

spokeswoman Susan B. Anthony and 

poet Maya Angelou echoed through the 

Trooper Chapel, Friday, as eight female 

servicemembers delivered speeches to 

commemorate Women’s Equality Day. 

To offer a variety of perspectives, the 

speakers ranged in ages, ranks and services, 

from Army Pfc. Amanda Russell to Air 

Force Capt. Coulette Swiggette. Many of 

the speakers began with quotes from past 

heroines whose legends have stood the test 

of time. 

Air Force Master Sgt. Chrystal DavisVails 

spoke first, quoting Angelou and describing 

a multitude of challenges women have 

overcome throughout history and in the 

military in particular. 

“We always need to remember our past 

to appreciate our present and future,” said 

DavisVails, Staff Judge Advocate law office 

superintendent.

DavisVails said she believes recognizing 

women’s equality is especially important to 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

“[Our] mission deals with detainee 

operations and confinement and that 

traditionally has been male-dominated,” 

explained DavisVails. “Having women here 

doing their part shows that it takes a team – 

women and men – to get the job done.”

After Coast Guard Maritime 

Enforcement Specialist 3rd Class Desirae 

Villa gave the last of the eight speeches, guest 

speaker Army Col. Linda Ross, director of 

the Behavioral Science Consultant Team, 

delivered a narration of her experience in 

the military and what women’s equality 

means to her.

Ross said she was glad to see such a 

varied audience taking time out of their day 

to witness the presentation.

“I appreciate the turnout ... and hope 

that those who came were able to stop for a 

moment and reflect on the bigger picture,” 

said Ross. “Despite whatever personal 

challenges each of us face everyday, we are 

a part of something much larger.” 

“No part is too small,” she continued. 

“We need everyone’s contribution to be 

successful in our mission here in GTMO.”

DavisVails agreed women play a large 

role in succeeding in operations here as well 

as abroad. As the mother of two girls, she 

believes in the example she is setting as a 

female servicemember. 

“It means that I have a place in history,” 

said DavisVails. “It shows my daughters 

that they can, that their mother did things 

significant for our country and for them as 

a mother, woman and Airman.”

Justin Abayor, a striker for the 

Stingers soccer team, kicks the ball 

off the pitch during warm-ups for their 

first game of the Morale Welfare and 

Recreation Summer Soccer League 

at the Cooper Field Sports Complex, 

Tuesday. 

| News The Wire | Page 7

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

3rd Class Marquis Whitehead

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist

2nd Class Kilho Park

Naval Expeditionary Guard Battalion changes over

Navy Cmdr. Bill Johnson relinquished 

command of the Navy Expeditionary Guard 

Battalion to Navy Cmdr. Alan Dorrbecker 

during a change-of-command ceremony, 

Wednesday, at the Windjammer Cafe.

Guest speaker Army Col. Donnie 

Thomas, commander of Joint Task 

Force’s Joint Detention Group, gave a few 

encouraging words as well as expressed 

his gratitude for Johnson’s work ethic and 

diligence. 

“He was focused on the right thing – 

Sailors’ welfare, the mission and readiness,” 

said Thomas. “He is a true hero to the very 

Sailors who stand before us.”

During his time as commanding officer, 

Johnson was in charge of more than 500 

Sailors and oversaw the consolidation of 

two JTF’s detention camps. Johnson helped 

improve communal living for detainees 

by 40 percent and drastically reduced the 

number of assaults against the guard force 

by 30 percent. He went on to improve 

working and living conditions for Troopers 

and reduced disciplinary infractions by 

nearly 50 percent. 

During his speech, Johnson thanked 

many of the fellow Soldiers, Sailors and 

contractors attached to NEGB for their 

unwavering support and diligent work ethic. 

Johnson also stressed how this command, 

among others, is one of the toughest and he 

could not have been as successful without 

his Troopers.

“The dynamic and the speed here, you 

can’t replace it. You have to learn a lot 

on the job, and the level of responsibility 

is huge,” he said. “I’m departing ready to 

see my family, but not ready to give up 

command because of the great Sailors who 

work for me.” 

Incoming NEGB Commander 

Dorrbecker expressed his appreciation for 

the opportunity to work with such a fine 

group of servicemembers, but acknowledges 

the task ahead of him will be challenging. 

“I’m looking forward to it,” Dorrbecker 

said. “I know it’s tough to be away from 

family but it’s the job and I have a lot of 

good Sailors working for me – I’m ready to 

go forth and complete the mission.” 

The NEGB provides security inside 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s detention 

facilities and is currently in charge of five 

of seven detention facilities. 

For his next assignment, Johnson will 

assume command of the Combat Systems 

Department aboard aircraft carrier USS 

Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). 

“I’ve met a lot of great Sailors,” 

concluded Johnson. “We’re always striving 

to find our relief in the Navy. I’ve found a 

good 500 to 600 reliefs for me; it’s always 

sad to see a company leave but great to see 

a company come in.”

Cmdr. William Johnson (center), commanding officer, Navy 

Expeditionary Guard Battalion, stands with his chain of command, 

Wednesday, during the NEGB change of command ceremony. 
The Wire | Page 8 Feature |

journey with Cirque

Cirque Odessey performers (from left) Devon Gery, a trapeze artist, Olga Karmansky, 

contortionist and hand-to-hand balancers Scott Loeser and partner entertain the crowd 

Friday night at the Downtown Lyseum. More than 1,500 Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

Troopers, Naval Station Soldiers and civilians attended the Cirque Odyssey production 

sponsored by Guantanamo Bay Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Story by Army Sgt. Meredith Vincent

Photos by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

| Feature The Wire | Page 9

Morale, Welfare and Recreation 

treated Guantanamo Bay 

residents to the razzle, dazzle 

and excitement of Cirque 

Odessey, Friday night, at the Downtown 

Lyceum.

MWR teamed up with Peyton 

Entertainment from Orlando, Fla., to offer 

the naval station something new.

“Other bases I have worked at sold tickets 

for attractions to concerts and shows like 

Cirque,” said Amiee MacDonnell, MWR 

community activities director. “Knowing that 

we don't have the ability to go out in town to 

a show like this, we decided to bring the show 

to the GTMO community.”

The event featured dancers, contortionists, 

acrobats, hand-balancing strongmen and 

an aerial chiffon performer. After the show, 

audience members were encouraged to 

approach the stage to get pictures with the 

crew. 

“We received an overwhelming positive 

response from the audience after the show,” 

MacDonnell said. “We are always looking for 

diverse entertainment to bring to the troops 

and community and this proved to be a 

fantastic choice.”

Scott Loeser, hand-balancer for the Cirque 

show, said despite being with the group for 

approximately nine years, this was the first time 

he has performed for a military audience.

“It’s a very memorable time,” exclaimed 

Loeser, “to be able to come here and not only 

interact with the troops, but to perform for 

them as well.”

With an estimated 1,500 spectators, Loeser 

and his colleagues consider their stop to 

Guantanamo Bay a success.

“Being able to put a smile on people’s 

faces,” shared Loeser, “doing what we love to 

do – it’s a win/win situation for us.”
Sports | | Sports The Wire | Page 11

 see JTF, page 19

The Wire | Page 10

j o i n t t a s k f o r c e

changes hands

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park Story by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson relinquished 

command of Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

to Rear Adm. David Woods during a change 

of command ceremony at the Bayview 

Officer’s Club complex, Wednesday.

Air Force Lt. Col. Gary Bertsch, JTF 

chaplain, opened the ceremony with a few 

encouraging words.

“We thank you for your dedication to duty, 

your focus for keeping the mission on course 

and unwavering amidst the ever-changing 

challenges unique to this command,” 

said Bertsch. “As you transition from this 

command, may you do so knowing its future 

mission is based on a firm foundation.”

Harbeson expressed his thanks to key 

individuals and groups involved with the 

success of JTF Guantanamo’s mission, 

including Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, 

commander of United States Southern 

Command, and his staff.

“Their [Southern Command’s] support, 

(bottom left) Ceremonial sideboys stand in 

formation, Wednesday, during the Joint Task 

Force Guantanamo change of command. 

(top left) The Ceremonial color guard present 

colors during the playing of the national anthem.

(middle) Outgoing JTF Commander Navy Rear 

Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson and Incoming JTF 

Commander Navy Rear Adm. David Woods cut 

the ceremonial change of command cake.

(bottom right) Navy Rear Adm. David Woods, new 

JTF Commander, is piped aboard during the JTF 

change of command ceremony.

(top right) Navy Capt. Patrick Raburn, JTF Chief 

of Staff, emcees the JTF change of command 

ceremony.
The Wire | Page 12 Feature |

The World Below: 

Part 2 of our science feature

In January 1998, more than 1,600 scientists worldwide declared the 

world’s oceans are threatened. Pressures on fisheries, coral reefs and 

other marine resources became recognized as serious environmental 

issues. Compounding these strains is a lack of understanding about 

the extent and variety of marine species. 

According to the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences website, 

“Marine biodiversity is a critical component of ecosystem function, 

global balance and, ultimately, human existence.” 

Because of the inaccessibility and vastness of the oceans, a 

description of marine biodiversity is limited even though there is a 

greater diversity in the marine environment than in the world above 

water. 

BIOS’ mission is to document marine biodiversity globally to 

enhance expertise and understanding of this ecosystem’s function 

within specific regions of the world. This approach focuses on entire 

environments, rather than fragments within a system.

This is why BIOS researchers teamed up with Navy Facilities 

Engineering Command to study coral reef beds in Guantanamo Bay. 

Last week, researchers from NAVFAC collected sediment samples 

in and around the bay as part of the collaborative study. The team’s 

research will help track the life span of the reef beds over time. 

Dr. Eric Hochberg, a BIOS scientist, was the chief investigator 

for the study.

“We are evaluating the reef ecosystem,” said Hochberg. “A lot 

of people fixate on the corals, but the ecosystem is complex. We are 

trying to get a picture of the entire reef scape and what condition 

it’s in.”

To gather the data needed to fully evaluate Guantanamo Bay’s 

reef life, the team used various methods, including one called 

photoquadrates.

Using an underwater tripod with a camera attached, a diver swims 

along and takes a series of nine images at each reef site. At the same 

time, other team members take written observations.

“We would swim up to a site and mark it with a GPS,” Hochberg 

explained. “Then, a guy would come up and count the fish with a 

data sheet underwater and count the species he could see. [Before 

leaving the site,] he would hammer a rebar in and make a permanent 

marker there.”

The rebar combined with GPS coordinates provides the team 

with a pinpoint location to accurately return to in the future for 

continuous studying.

With the looming notion that corals around the Caribbean are 

declining in health, researchers are looking for particular signs of 

loss. 

“When you have an increase in sea-surface temperature, sometimes 

the warming of the water will cause bleaching,” said Don Marx, one 

of only two NAVFAC divers with a marine biology background. “If 

you see a colony of coral that’s white, that’s what has happened.”

 There are other stressors to look for, like disease and unusual 

amounts of algae that may not necessarily be a bad thing; it could just 

be a cycle during that time of year, Marx said.

Students from the University of Miami were also present testing 

a new technology that combines a camera and software to create a 

photo mosaic of the ocean. 

“It’s a faster way to do it,” said Kevin Franz, who works in 

technology integration for NAVFAC. “The software recognizes 

these frames and puts them together so you can just see it quickly 

instead of someone sitting for days and days trying to match a puzzle 

together.” 

The new technology, if adopted by the Navy, will give researchers 

a quicker method of data gathering. For now, head researcher 

Hochberg has his work cut out for him when he returns to Bermuda 

to sift through the data. 

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

Photos by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

see REEF, pg. 19

Brooke Gintert, a post doctoral coral reef 

ecologist from the University of Miami, 

marks the reef monitoring site number on an 

underwater slate before photographing the 

surrounding area. The photos will be stitched 

together in a photo mosaic using cutting 

edge software and then used as a historical 

reference to monitor the health of the reef.

| Feature The Wire | Page 13

Don Marx, a marine biologist Navy Diver for Naval Facilities Engineering Command, uses 

a camera mounted in an underwater housing and modified tripod to photograph the reefs 

around Guantanamo Bay, Aug. 16. The photographs will be stitched together and used for 

future comparisons to measure the health of the reef around the naval station.
On The Deck

Inside the Jar

NORFOLK, Va. – Commander, 

U.S. 2nd Fleet ordered all U.S. 

Navy ships in the Hampton 

Roads, Va., area to set Sortie 

Condition Alpha, Wednesday. 

Ships will make final 

preparations overnight 

in anticipation of getting 

underway early Aug. 25.

The setting of Sortie 

Condition Alpha does not mean 

the actual sortie is inevitable. 

Should overnight weather 

forecasts indicate a decrease in 

the strength or change in the 

track of the storm, the sortie 

condition may be downgraded. 

Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, 

commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, 

said that the decision to sortie 

the ships from Hampton Roads 

is based on Hurricane Irene’s 

current track that indicates 

the storm will produce at least 

50 knots of wind and a five to 

seven foot storm surge, which 

meets the criteria for getting 

the fleet underway to avoid 

storm damage. 

“Our ships can better 

weather storms of this 

magnitude when they are 

underway,” said Holloway. 

“The forecasted destructive 

winds and tidal surge is too 

great to keep the ships in 

port. There is a much greater 

potential of not only the ships 

being damaged, but also the 

pier infrastructure. Having the 

ships underway also makes 

them ready and available 

to respond to any national 

tasking, including any needed 

Second Fleet sets sortie condition Alpha for hurricane

By U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

CENTRAL TRAINING 

AREA, OKINAWA, 

Japan – Marines with 7th 

Communication Battalion 

reestabished communications 

Aug. 8 for Exercise Ulchi 

Freedom Guardian, immediately 

after Typhoon Muifa’s passing.

UFG is an annual joint/

combined command post 

exercise which demonstrates 

the U.S. commitment to the 

ROK-U.S. alliance.

UFG is a defense-oriented, 

routine exercise that enhances 

the ability of the ROKU.S. alliance to defend the 

ROK, deter against external 

aggression, and maintain 

stability on the Korean 

peninsula.

More than 530,000 troops 

Ulchi Freedom Gaurdian Marines reset after typhoon passes

from the Republic of Korea, 

the U.S. and seven nations from 

the United Nations Command 

are participating both in the 

Republic of Korea and at U.S. 

military headquarters in the 

Pacific and the U.S.

The exercise is designed to 

improve the alliance’s ability to 

defend the Republic of Korea 

by exercising senior leaders’ 

decision-making abilities 

and by training commanders 

and staffs from both nations 

in planning, command and 

control operations, intelligence, 

logistics and personnel 

procedures.

“It is challenging and realistic 

training focused on preparing, 

preventing and prevailing 

against the full range of current 

and future external threats to 

the Republic of Korea and 

the region,” said Gen. James 

D. Thurman, commander of 

Combined Forces Command.

“We are applying lessons 

learned out of Iraq and 

Afghanistan, as well as those 

garnered by the alliance’s recent 

experiences with North Korea 

provocations on the peninsula 

and past exercises,” Thurman 

said.

On Okinawa, Marines were 

preparing for the exercise 

but had to retrograde to 

their respective camps before 

Typhoon Muifa hit the island 

Aug. 5.

When the “all clear” 

was issued Aug. 6, Marines 

with 7th Comm. Bn., III 

Marine Expeditionary Force 

Headquarters Group, III 

MEF, began reestablishing 

communications at Kin Blue, 

while other Marines with III 

MEF Headquarters Group 

prepared for the exercise on 

Camps Courtney and Schwab 

Aug. 7. The Marines worked 

through the night to set up tents, 

barriers and communications 

equipment.

“This is 7th Communication 

Battalion’s biggest exercise of 

the year. It’s important that we 

set up in a timely manner to not 

waste time,” said Cpl. Chelsea 

Sanchez, satellite operator and 

maintainer with 7th Comm. 

Bn.

“The storm caused a 

(temporary) delay to the 

communication mission in 

support of UFG,” said 1st 

Lt. Dustin Dvorak, platoon 

commander, with 7th Comm. 

Bn., “but these Marines are 

committed to this exercise 

and strengthening our 

relationship with our South 

Korean allies.”

By Lance Cpl. Tyler Vernaza,

Marine Corps Base Japan

The At Your Service | Wire | Page 14

disaster response efforts in the 

local area after the storm has 

passed.”

Foul weather preparations 

start with Sortie Condition 

Charlie, with ships prepared 

to get underway in 48 hours. 

At Sortie Condition Bravo, 

ships must be prepared to get 

underway within 24 hours. 

Sortie Condition Alpha 

indicates the execution of the 

sortie.

A variety of information is 

available in support of family 

readiness during hurricane 

season including:

- Navy Family Accountability 

and Assessment System, 

http://go.usa.gov/kQ4, which 

provides a standardized method 

for the Navy to account, 

manage and monitor the 

recovery process for personnel 

and their families affected and/

or scattered by a wide-spread 

catastrophic event.

- State of Virginia 

Emergency Management, 

http://www.vaemerg ency.

gov/readyvirginia, which has 

many resources for planning 

and preparing emergency kits, 

developing evacuation plans 

and addressing specific special 

needs for children, the elderly 

and others.

- Virginia Department of 

Transportation Hurricane 

Evacuation Guide, http://

www.virginiadot.org/travel/

h u r r i c a n e _ d e f a u LT. a s p, 

which provides more detailed 

information for preparing for a 

hurricane, hurricane evacuation 

and public shelters in Virginia.

TAMPA, Fla. – “Transforming Cyber While at War” set the theme as 

LandWarNet 2011 launched Tuesday, with the Army’s chief information 

officer telling the audience that the Army must change how it acquires 

information technology.

The Army must not only close the technology gap, but eliminate it, 

said Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence to the crowd at the Tampa Convention 

Center. She said the bottom line was to keep a committed partnership 

with academia and industry to find the right solutions and venues, 

then bring that technology to the force simultaneously with the civilian 

sector.

Lawrence also told the audience the Army’s network “must be a 

single, secure standard-based network.”

She said the network was about taking a Soldier with a single identity 

-- a common access card -- and being able to communicate on any 

government computer around the world and getting to their data.

“Whether he’s sitting at home, TDY or forward deployed, it’s all about 

how he will be identified, it’s all about the data, so how do we clean this 

up; where do we store this information; how do we tag it and how do we 

get access to it,” she said, challenging the audience.

She then introduced Maj. Gen. Alan R. Lynn, commander of the 

Army Signal Center of Excellence, who said big changes were coming 

in equipment, training, education and the way signal forces were 

employed.

While Lynn didn’t elaborate, he did say that avatars were coming to 

the Army and when future Soldiers join the Army, avatars will be made 

of the individuals which will have their characteristics and emulate their 

real performance.

Following Lynn, Kent Schneider, president and chief executive officer 

of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association 

which sponsors the conference, said that to save the Army travel funding, 

the format for 2012 will be changed to three regional programs. It will be 

called TechNetReenforces and brings the Marine Corps and joint pieces 

as well.

Lawrence then introduced Sgt. Joel Tavera and singer-songwriter 

Theresa Sareo who was performing at her fourth LandWarNet 

Annual info-tech conference kicks off in Tampa

By J.D. Leipold conference and speaks regularly for the Army and wounded warriors. 

She lost her right leg when a drunk driver ran into her in 2002.

Sareo dedicated her song “Through a Soldier’s Eyes” to Tavera whose 

Humvee was hit by five rockets in Iraq in 2008. Three Soldiers were 

killed. Tavera lost his vision completely, his right leg, several fingers and 

suffered 60 percent third-degree burns over his body as well as severe 

head trauma. The audience gave Tavera and Sareo a standing ovation.

Vincent Viola, founder of the Combating Terrorism Center at West 

Point, N.Y., was then introduced by Lawrence. Viola, a graduate of West 

Point and Ranger School, served with the 101st Airborne Division, then 

later served as a major in the Army Reserve.

When he left the Army he became a trader on the stock exchange and 

an eventual entrepreneur, launching a number of successful businesses, 

including Pioneer Futures, one of the top 50 futures commission 

merchants in the U.S.

“I’m not a businessman and I’m not a technologist, what I really am 

in my heart and soul is a Soldier and that is the approach I’ve taken in my 

business career,” he said.

He noted that innovation, staying six or seven steps ahead in 

technology, was an absolute to the U.S. military. He also encouraged 

buying off-the-shelf products and equipment and hiring personnel who 

are driven by passion in their work rather than a paycheck.

Following track sessions covering computer hardware enterprise 

software and solutions, or CHESS, and forums on Army enterprise 

email, as well as sessions on information technology security, Lawrence 

hosted an awards luncheon where she served as the keynote speaker.

Information Assurance Awards were presented to Lt. Col. Terry 

McGraw of the Army Cyber Operations and Integration Center and 

Dwayne Tanner of Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Enterprise 

Systems and Services.

Capt. Joseph Clar of the 650th Army Regional Support Group and 

Dwayne Smith of the Army Signal Network Enterprise Center received 

Information Assurance Professional of the Year awards.

Most Innovative Information Assurance Project and Implementation 

awards went to the Information Assurance Division of the Cyber Leader 

College and Chris Hwang from the 1st Signal Brigade, Korea. 

In The Trenches

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

On the Wing

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Vice President Joe Biden spoke before 

approximately 1,000 military and civilian personnel from the Kanto 

plains Wednesday at Yokota Air Base, Japan, thanking them for their role 

during Operation Tomodachi.

“I’ve visited military bases all over the world and what you did here in 

Japan over the past few months is nothing short of astounding,” Biden 

said.

In his speech, the vice president shared his pride in the service 

members for their role in aiding the people of Japan.

“All the American people are in awe of what you do day in and day 

out, especially when you rise to the occasion of the most difficult times,” 

Biden said. 

The vice president closed by remarking on the partnership between 

the U.S. and Japan.

“The role you all play is going to become increasingly important,” the 

vice president said. “And our alliance with Japan will be more important 

Biden visits Yokota, thanks members for role in Operation Tomodachi

By Airman 1st Class Earlandez M. Young

92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

than in the past. It continues to be absolutely critical, and you are the 

glue that holds this all together. You’re the ones ensuring this alliance 

remains effective.”

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to military 

personnel at Yokota Air Base, Japan, 

Wednesday. -photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse
The Wire | Page 16 At the Movies |

Movie Review

26 27 28 29 30 31 1

Call MWR at ext. 2010 for more information. Movie Hotline - call 4880.

Monte Carlo

(PG) 8 p.m.

Bad Teacher

(R) 10 p.m.

Larry Crowne

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Super 8

(last showing)

(PG- 13) 8 p.m.

Mr. Popper’s 

Penguins

(last showing)

(PG) 8 p.m.

Cowboys & Aliens

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Horrible Bosses

(R) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

Zookeeper

(PG) 8 p.m.

Transformers 3

(PG-13) 10 p.m. 

fri. sat. sun. mon. tues. wed. thurs.

Army Sgt. Meredith Vincent

PG-13

98 min.

Cars 2

(G) 8 p.m.

Larry Crowne

(R) 10 p.m.

Super 8

(last showing)

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Horrible Bosses

(R) 10 p.m.

Transformers 3

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Cowboys & Aliens

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Monte Carlo

(PG) 8 p.m.

Bad Teacher

(R) 8 p.m.

Zookeeper

(PG) 8 p.m.

In “Larry Crowne,” a coming-of-middleage story co-written and directed by its star, 

Tom Hanks, we are supposed to believe that 

the title character, a likeable, hard-working 

everyman, is fired from his job due to not 

having a college education and thus making 

him unpromotable. We are also asked to 

believe that someone with Julia Roberts’ smile 

could be a lonely, embittered lush. Despite its 

humble yet polished exterior, this is, after all, 

a fantasy and try as you might, you can never 

quite forget it. 

Perhaps if lower-watt actors were attached, 

the story would ring with some level of 

authenticity. But come on, American audiences 

cannot be fooled that easily. These are two 

of our hugest, most gigantic Hollywood 

stars! It’s Forest Gump and Erin Brockovich! 

Short of Brad and that other Tom, you’d be 

hard pressed to find two bigger movie giants 

wandering the streets of Los Angeles. The 

shine gleaming off either of them causes the 

viewer to squint, and whatever realism the 

filmmakers were striving for is lost. 

It’s the worst for Julia. While Hanks 

still displays the features and mannerisms 

of a commoner, Roberts’ wattage cannot 

be denied and it throws the entire film off 

balance. No longer just a “pretty woman,” 

the mother of three – including twins – is 

positively luminous. Why is this a problem? 

Because she’s supposed to be Mercedes 

Tainot, a joyless, jaded college professor who 

makes a whiskey slushy the moment she 

walks in the front door. Does that sound like 

the Julia you know? 

While Hanks and Roberts battle with 

their own fame, it’s the supporting players 

who make the film worth watching. Tribute 

Hanks for collecting possibly the most 

random and eclectic group of actors to keep 

the action moving. Cedric the Entertainer 

and Taraji P. Henson are Larry’s mouthy, 

adorable neighbors (Hanks actually shows 

more chemistry with Cedric than he does his 

leading lady - odd). Once at college, Larry 

falls in with a scooter mob - seriously - and 

is promptly adopted by Talia (Gugu MbathaRaw), an “edgy” all-around sweetheart who 

sees potential in Larry despite his tucked in 

polo shirts. Wilmer Valderrama (Fez!) stops 

by as Talia’s harmless boyfriend, and Pam 

Grier is inexplicably cast as Robert’s friend 

and colleague. 

But nothing - nothing! - can top the 

movie’s ace-in-the-hole guest star. Ladies and 

gentlemen, I present to you... Mr.. Sulu!

George Takei (or, as my movie sidekick 

said it – about a dozen times during the 

movie – GEORGE TAKEI!) is wonderfully 

hilarious as Larry’s economics prof. Dripping 

with deadpan sarcasm, his wry delivery and 

sadistic smile punch up every scene. Bravo, 

Hanks, for reminding us about George Takei. 

Wait I mean, GEORGE TAKEI!

Overall, “Larry Crowne” was a pleasant 

enough experience. Sweet, sappy and not at 

all realistic, it’s like a Hallmark greeting card: 

It’s kind of pointless, but it’s the thought that 

counts. 

Plus...

GEORGE TAKEI!

| News you can Use The Wire | Page 17

Hurricane Irene has strengthened as it 

bears down on the Bahamas on a path 

toward the eastern United States.

The National Hurricane Center said in 

its latest bulletin Wednesday that Irene’s 

sustained winds are nearly 185 kilometers 

an hour, making it a category three storm 

on a five-point scale. The center says 

Irene could become a category four 

hurricane by Thursday.

The storm’s center is forecast to 

move across the southeastern and central 

Bahamas Wednesday, and over the 

northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.

The hurricane center’s director, Bill 

Read, says tropical storm force winds 

could approach the U.S. state of North 

Carolina as soon as early Saturday 

morning. Evacuations were already under 

way in parts of the state.

Read says the storm could become a 

“big threat” on Sunday to the northeast 

United States, including New York’s 

Long Island.

Irene is the first hurricane to seriously 

threaten the United States in three years. 

The Federal Emergency Management 

Agency says that emergency personnel 

are preparing all along the coast.

At last report, forecasters said the 

storm was about 460 kilometers southeast 

of Nassau, Bahamas, moving northwest 

at 19 kilometers per hour.

The storm lashed the British territory 

of the Turks and Caicos Islands 

Tuesday. 

Authorities say Irene could cause 

flooding in the U.S. mid-Atlantic and New 

England regions, where soil is saturated 

from recent heavy rains. They say Irene’s 

tropical storm-force winds extend 335 

kilometers from the center.

The U.S. State Department has warned 

Americans to carefully consider the risk 

of traveling to the Bahamas and Turks 

and Caicos due to the hurricane.

Hurricane Irene strengthens 

on path toward U.S. coast

Voice of America News Service

akistan’s foreign minister is denying 

claims made by some Chinese officials that 

her country had anything to do with terrorist attacks late last month in Xinjiang, in 

China’s far west.

At the end of July, two bombs exploded 

in the streets of Kashgar, in China’s farwestern Xinjiang region. The blasts were 

followed by deadly mayhem. The violence 

left at least 19 people dead, including five 

attackers, and injured more than 40 others.

At the time, the Kashgar government issued a statement saying the terrorist ringleader received training from a Pakistanbased camp of the East Turkestan Islamic 

Movement (ETIM), a banned organization 

that seeks independence for Xinjiang.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani 

Khar, who is visiting China, said officials 

clarified to her that Beijing is not accusing 

her country of being behind the Xinjiang 

terrorist attacks.

“The statement, vis-à-vis Pakistan’s involvement of any sort, was misconstrued, 

was not from the Chinese government,” 

said Khar.

At the same time, she said Pakistan 

has worked with China regarding the East 

Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and 

is ready to do more.

“If you are saying, ‘Does it [ETIM] have 

any base in Pakistan?’ We do not know. 

And if there is any such issue, as far as this 

particular group is concerned, then as I 

have said clearly, we would like to cooperate further to ensure - and we have already 

cooperated on this particular group within 

Pakistan,” added Khar.

The East Turkestan Islamic Movement 

is made up of ethnic Uighurs, a Chinese 

minority group that calls Xinjiang its homeland.

Barnard College Political Science Professor Alexander Cooley said he thinks any 

ETIM presence in Pakistan is not likely to 

be a top priority for Pakistani authorities.

“My sense is you do not have the same 

kind of ties between the Pakistani military 

and the intelligence services, with the Uighur groups, that you do with some of the 

other Islamic groups, where they [Pakistan] 

maintain connections,” noted Cooley.

This is Khar’s first trip to China since 

taking office in July. She described the Pakistan-China relationship as going “beyond 

any two governments.” She said the friendship has withstood the pressures of time, 

and especially has adapted to the changing 

global and regional environment.

She represents two firsts; the first woman to be Pakistan’s foreign minister, and, at 

33 years old, the youngest.

She met Wednesday with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang 

Jiechi.

This year is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. 

The Chinese foreign minister hailed the two 

countries’ relationship as a “high-quality 

strategic cooperative partnership” and an 

all-weather friendship

By Stephanie Ho

Voice of America News Service

Pakistan denies link to Chinese terror group

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar speaks near a portrait 

of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Pakistan 

Embassy in Beijing, China, Wednesday.
Mind, Body & Soul

Suspension training:

Bridging the fitness gap

GTMO Religious Services

Daily Catholic Mass

Tues. - Fri. 5:30 p.m.

Main Chapel

Vigil Mass

Saturday 5 p.m.

Main Chapel

Mass

Sunday 9 a.m.

Main Chapel

Catholic Mass

Saturday 5:30 p.m.

Troopers Chapel

The Mind, Body & Soul | Wire | Page 18

Protestant Worship

Sunday 9 a.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Islamic Service

Friday 1:15 p.m.

Room C

Jewish Service

Friday 7 p.m.

Chapel Annex

LDS Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room A

Seventh Day Adventist

Saturday 11 a.m.

Room B

Iglesia Ni Christo

Sunday 5:30 a.m.

Room A

Pentecostal Gospel

Sunday 8 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Room D

Liturgical Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room B

Church of the Sacred Well

Call x2323 for information

General Protestant

Sunday 11 a.m.

Main Chapel

United Jamaican

Fellowship

Sunday 11 a.m.

Sanctuary B

Gospel Service

Sunday 1 p.m.

Main Chapel

GTMO Bay Christian Fellowship

Sunday 6 p.m.

Main Chapel

Command fitness programs present 

many challenges for the armed services. 

While every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine 

and Coast Guardian is expected to maintain 

a high standard of physical readiness, 

the abilities of each individual within any 

command may vary widely. Creating a 

fitness routine that engages everyone within 

a command can prove difficult due to the 

strengths and weaknesses of each individual. 

One new trend to fitness that goes a long way 

in bridging this gap is suspension training.

Suspension training is a simple concept, 

using a strap attached to an anchor point 

along with your own bodyweight as resistance 

to create a work out. Across the board, 

suspension training pours forth a multitude of 

benefits toward military personnel. It caters 

to all abilities, focuses on core strength, 

can be conducted virtually anywhere and, 

under a trained fitness leader, provides an 

efficient workout in less than an hour.

One of the biggest advantages to 

suspension training is it uses bodyweight 

in conjunction with leverage for all of its 

exercises. In doing so, suspension training 

opens the doors, not just for the weak and 

the strong, but also for those recovering 

from injuries. Everyone can vary their own 

resistance level based upon the leverage 

created with a suspension system. Even a 

servicemember recovering from injury can 

perform all exercises simply by reducing 

Pfc. Justin Pierce

see BODY, pg. 19

- photos by Mass Communication Specialist 

1st Class Sally Hendricks

| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

BODY cont. 

JTF cont. 

REEF cont. 

guidance and willingness to assist in the 

many difficult issues we face, have enabled 

JTF Guantanamo to be prepared to respond 

to the day-to-day challenges of detention 

operations,” said Harbeson.

Additionally, Harbeson included the 

Office of the Secretary of Defense and 

said their willingness to share insight and 

perspective on detention policy here on the 

island helped provide greater understanding 

of how operations were viewed at the 

Capitol.

“The office of OSD has provided 

constant support, allowing us to ensure 

mission success,” said Harbeson. “The 

phrase ‘detention operations’ is very 

deceptive. It sounds so simple, yet it belies 

the complexities inherent in this mission.”

The outgoing commander also reflected 

on what he learned during his 14 months on 

the island. 

“Your performance was inspiring to me 

and to all who have witnessed it and your 

service reminds me that the future of our 

country is in good hands as our future 

leaders will come from your ranks,” said 

Harbeson.

The efforts made by JTF Troopers make 

a difference and are a part of history, he 

said.

“No doubt, we will continue to draw 

world-wide attention, but the unique talents 

and contributions of our servicemembers 

will ensure continued success in the future,” 

he continued. “Being in command of JTF 

Guantanamo has been an honor beyond 

description and you are all heroes to so 

many people and to me; I will treasure these 

memories for as long as I live.”

Incoming JTF Guantanamo commander 

Woods continued the momentum of the 

ceremony with a brief overview of Navy 

slogans.

“The latest branding for the Navy 

The photomosaicing was 

only done as a demonstration 

and will not be used in the 

analysis portion of the 

study, said Hochberg, who 

will ultimately view 2,000 

individual photos from the 

team’s two-week study.

“I go through every photo 

and analyze them for all the 

corals, types of algae, some 

of the other invertebrates like 

sea cucumbers and starfish 

and make notes,” Hochberg 

explained. “I have to identify 

everything in every photo. 

We will be able to look at 

trends up and down the reef, 

and that’s what’s important 

ecologically.” 

The team concluded the 

reefs in Guantanamo Bay 

look youthful and show signs 

of good health, but only time 

will tell.

“The GTMO coral has 

been the gold standard for the 

longest time in this region,” 

Marx shared. “Compared 

to other areas, I would say it 

looks as good or better – the 

diversity’s better here and they 

are bigger coral. As far as 

algae goes, there are so many 

variables going on that we 

don’t know enough yet – and 

that’s why we’re doing these 

studies.”

the impact that bodyweight 

plays on the exercise. 

Aside from taking all levels 

of fitness, suspension training 

holds even more benefits. Since 

this type of training relies 

on suspended body weight 

resistance, every single workout 

engages core strength and 

stability. Core strength rarely 

gets the look it deserves even 

though it’s crucial to our dayto-day actions. This type of 

strengthening makes repetitive 

actions like moving sand 

bags, boxes – or even just the 

additional weight of armor – 

less taxing on the body. It also 

encourages good biomechanics, 

making a well-strengthened 

individual less prone to 

occupational injuries.

probably captures the essence of the 

mission here,” said Woods. “‘A global force 

for good.’ We are truly global and a force for 

good in both senses of the word.”

Upcoming events will be challenging, 

Woods warned, and will put JTF Guantanamo 

on center stage for the entire world to see.

“After my short time here with our 

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast 

Guardsmen, I am confident we will conduct 

ourselves appropriately to show exactly how 

safe, humane, legal and transparent we are as 

a nation with the custody of detainees here, 

Woods stated. 

Before leaving, Harbeson said JTF 

Guantanamo has the talent, level of 

professionalism and energy that is unmatched 

at any command.

“Do what is right and never be satisfied 

with the status quo,” said Harbeson. “Lead 

confidently and challenge those who resist 

change and delay the future.”

As far as mobility is 

concerned, suspension training 

is hard to beat. Since it’s 

based on body weight, you 

carry the resistance needed 

for it everywhere you go. All 

the accessories you need to 

conduct a good suspension 

training workout can be easily 

improvised with rope, tow 

straps, etc., and an elevated 

anchor point – at least six 

feet above the ground. Some 

companies have even begun 

to sell specialized suspension 

training equipment that is 

extremely portable. TRX is 

an example of this, and was 

designed by former Navy Seals, 

so I’ll let that just speak for 

itself as far as portability and 

effectiveness. 

Benefiting from a scalable 

level of difficulty, focus on 

core strength and portability, 

suspension training holds a 

natural fit with the armed 

forces. It should come as no 

surprise then, to learn that 

Guantanamo’s own fitness and 

recreation team has bought into 

this remarkably useful system, 

installing a TRX suspension 

system next to Cooper field. As 

early as next week, suspension 

training classes will be offered 

to Guantanamo Bay’s Troopers. 

Having this equipment at the 

ready will allow base residents 

a chance to try a new type of 

physical training, one that 

will engage a wide group of 

participants equally, while also 

keeping them fit and in shape.
STAYING FIT

Electronics Technician 1st Class Tom Whissel throws a frisbee at the first 

basket on the Lateral Hazard Disk Golf Course, Friday. - photo by Army Sgt. Mathieu 

Perry

WOMEN’S EQUALITY

Maritime Enforcement Specialist 3rd Class Desirae Villa delivers her speech in 

honor of Women’s Equality Day, Friday at the Trooper Chapel. She was joined by 

seven other women in the commemoration. - photo by Spc. Kelly Gary

BOB THE BUILDER

Tech Sgt. Antonio Canuto, a builder attached to the Base Emergency 

Engineering Force known as BEEF, places a hook on a forklift during a project at 

the media operations center, Wednesday. - photo by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

TheJTF

THROUGH CLOUDS

The sun sets over Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Sunday. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park