Happy holidays to the Mace family! The squadron has just concluded a very successful fall patrol, returning home in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones in Japan. The Mace team performed extraordinarily well during an arduous deployment throughout the western Pacific, and our Sailors now have some very well-deserved time to relax with family and friends, enjoying the holiday season whether here in Atsugi, or on leave both near and far. One of the best Christmas presents a Sailor can receive is to move up the ranks and advance to the next paygrade following the fall advancement exams. The results for the Maces were announced in late November, and reflected the tremendous effort made by Mace Sailors to study, learn their rate, and excel on the Navy’s bi-annual E-4 to E-6 advancement exams. A remarkable 43 of our Royal Maces advanced as new First Class, Second Class, and Third Class Petty Officers. Especially notable was the absolutely outstanding performance of some of our newest Maces. 28 Mace Sailors pinned on their “Crow” as new Third Class Petty Officers, 62% of those who took the fall advancement exam. This represents a rate of advancement over 33% higher than the Navy’s overall E-4 advancement rate, a truly impressive achievement by some of our youngest Sailors. Given the large numbers of people involved, this is not just a slight statistical difference. It’s a tremendous accomplishment by our Sailors, made possible through their hard work and devoted study, and the leadership and mentorship of many more senior Mace Petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers. Congratulations to our outstanding group of newly-advanced Royal Mace Petty Officers, and best wishes to the entire VFA-27 extended family for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

XO’s Alley X

CDR Brad Briller

CDR C. Spencer Abbot

Skipper’s Domain

December 2012 Vol. 1 / No. 5

MIYF BAM Gram

Welcome home Maces! To many, December is simply the last month of the year, but for those serving with the FDNF, it means much more. This is typically the time of year that we return to our families from a year filled with deployments and detachments. It is the only time of year that we are able to let down our guard, recharge our batteries and reflect on the success our squadron has had over the last year. The accomplishments are too many to list, but needless to say, this has been the most successful year the Royal Maces have seen in recent history. It does not get much better then the flawless fly-off our maintenance department orchestrated, but shortly after our return I was delivered more good news. 43 Royal Maces were selected for advancement, a number that brings us to 88 for the year, almost 40% of the squadron. VFA-27 was also nominated by CVW-5 for the Arleigh Burke Award, a Navy wide award for the unit who has displayed the greatest improvement from year to year. I cannot think of a better way to cap off 2 successful patrols. Every member of the Mace family can be justifiably proud of the achievements accomplished over the past year and deserve the time over the holidays to unwind and decompress. Enjoy this much deserved and long awaited break. Whether it's taking the time to reconnect with family and friends, or getting off base to visit other parts of our host nation, I wish all of you a safe and happy Holiday season. MIYF!

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CMC’s Corner Welcome home Maces! Time went by so fast when we were having fun, glad to be back. I can’t thank the Royal Mace families, friends and shipmates enough for the warm welcome upon our return from our 13 week long “Fall Patrol”. Sure hope everyone was able to spend quality time and able to gather around a festive dinner table and celebrate Thanksgiving. It was very timely, for we were able to say thanks for all the command successes and individual accomplishments we achieved this year. I am very pleased and very fortunate to be serving side by side with you all, a group of dedicated and hard working professionals and equally impressive family support group. Now Christmas is almost here! There is no turning back; the holiday season is upon us once again. The First Class Petty Officer Association has organized a “Children’s Christmas Party” for our little Maces. This year it will be at the bowling alley and from the last word I received, Santa Claus will drop by to give our young Maces their early Christmas gifts. Hope you all can make it. To celebrate Christmas and New Years, I know most of you will stay here in Atsugi while others will take time to travel back to States for the holidays. Be sure to spend the well deserved quality time with families and loved ones. While doing so let’s take the time to spend it wisely and safely. As always, exercise good judgment, make the right choices, and practice operational risk management as the Navy has taught us. With all the festivities, let us not forget our young single Sailors who will spend their first holiday away from home. Let’s keep a keen eye and ensure they have a good plan for the holidays. Senior Maces, let’s share and extend the traditional Royal Mace holiday spirit to our young Sailors. Lastly, on behalf of my dear wife Nelly and my lovely daughters Arrabelle and Myka, here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Chief Petty Officer’s “Anchor Up”

Command Master Chief

CMDCM (AW/SW) Dioscoro Crucillo

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MACES IN THE NEWS: VFA-27 ROYAL MACES COMPLETE KEEN SWORD 2012

LT David Tarr

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 20, 2012) Shortly before the familiar roar of F/A-18s was heard in the skies over NAF Atsugi, the Royal Maces and Carrier Air Wing FIVE completed their final major exercise of the 2012 deployment cycle, Keen Sword. For 11 days in early November the George Washington Strike Group conducted operations with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) to increase mutual capabilities and improve already strong partnerships between the countries and forces involved.

The joint exercise played a critical role in ensuring that the United States military remains the preeminent power in areas where our interests are at stake. For the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility, Keen Sword has filled that role and ensured that the United States can continue to live up to its security commitments in the Pacific Theater.

TWO ROYAL MACE GROUND OFFICERS PARTICIPATE IN THE “MACE IN YOUR PLACE” RENT-A-KHAKI FUNDRAISER

LTJG Matt Purvis

Prior to sunrise on the morning of 14 November 2012, two Royal Mace ground officers arrived in Maintenance Control for an arduous day’s work. The story, however, began several weeks earlier as Senior Chief (ATCS) Kenneth Hazlewood and the MWR department decided to pursue several fundraising ideas in support of the upcoming VFA-27 Christmas party. One of the ideas that had been successful in the past was the “Rent-a-Khaki” auction, where, for one day, junior Sailors had the opportunity to bid on any E-7 or above to do their work. With the success of previous years strong in their minds, the idea was put forth and the plan set in motion.

The Rent-a-Khaki process worked by Squadron-mates donating to the Khaki leader that they would like to rent for a day of work, out at sea onboard the USS George Washington. The top two individuals would then be auctioned off to the highest bidding work centers for duties. At first, the donations came slow, but as the deadline approached the donations started flowing in and a heated race ensued. The MWR department was able to raise over 5,000 dollars towards the Command’s Christmas party and the highest two contenders were decided as well in an auction for duties and tasks. LT Christopher “Pepé” Daniels and LTJG Christopher “Gelding” Coates crossed the finish line just a short amount above a third place contender.

So on the morning of 14 November, both Officers arrived at 0530 to start their day and accept their Jerseys that proudly displayed the VFA 27 Royal Mace Rent a Khaki logo. They proceeded to their full day of planned events, which included duties in the Line Division, Aircraft Division, Galley, Brig, Laundry, Berthing, and Wardroom 3 just to name a few. They ended the event after much hard work at 2230 with a job well done. So a hearty Bravo Zulu from the Royal Maces to MWR, AMO, ADMIN O, and all of our squadron-mates who donated and participated in this outstanding fundraising event.

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SHOP OF THE MONTH: THE ADMIN DEPARTMENT

From left to right: YN2 Johnson-Burroughs, LCDR Halligan, LTJG Coates, PS2 Fontenot, YN1 Vogt, PS2 Agojo, YNC Pittman, YN1 Capelety, YN2 Small, NC1 Vasquez, PSC Roble

The Administration/Personnel Department (YN's/PS's and NC's) of Strike Fighter Squadron TWO SEVEN take pride in their work to ensure all Royal Mace personal administrative needs are in order. In order for the pilots and maintainers of VFA-27 to employ their skills and expertise, they rely on the hard work of the Sailors in the Administration/Personnel Department. This allows our pilots and maintainers to focus on the mission and enhances the "Royal Maces" warfighting ability.

The Administration/Personnel Department is responsible for providing all of the administrative services for the Squadron. They take care of official correspondence, personnel records, directives, educational services, legal, pay, awards, and temporary duty travel orders and budget. Additionally, they are responsible for safeguarding and distributing personal mail to squadron personnel.

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VFA-27 ADVANCES 43 SAILORS On the 29th of October, CDR Spencer Abbot, Executive Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron TWO SEVEN had the privilege of frocking over forty Sailors to their new pay grade. Within the command we have 32 new Petty Officers, 8 new Petty Officer Second Classes, and 3 new Petty Officer First Classes. The process for selection is a combination of exams that test your rate specific and general military knowledge, awards, and evaluations. Congratulations go out for all the hard work and dedication these Petty Officers have put in to their career and good luck in your new leadership roles. PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS AO1 Jason Armstrong AO3 Kenneth Adams AZ1 Viet Luu LS3 Penny Adams AM1 Les Tamayo CS3 Matthew Anderson AO3 Ronald Baker PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS AME3 Chase Bartlett AE2 Christopher Bitner AME3 John Borrmann AO2 Reon Branche PR3 Nicholas Bostic AT2 Cody Deboer AO3 Johnjeffrey Carino AZ2 Amy Foster AM3 Roberto Cervantes AO2 Alex Hauser AT3 Deanna Coutts AME2 Matthew Poling AD3 Camryn Crane LS2 Scott Rebennack AD3 Carsten Friesen AO2 Christopher Veras AO3 James Gillespie IV AD3 Michael Groissl AD3 Robert Hill AME3 Laura Huerta AD3 Karl Hunsaker AM3 Khalil Lynch AO3 Nicholas McConnaughey AT3 Patrick Meurer AE3 Mario Mirone AT3 Talen Moores AD3 Andrew Olsen AO3 Richard Pence AO3 Brenda Perez AT3 Jessica Perry AO3 Edwin Rios LS3 Jonathan Short LS3 Gabriel Sledge AM3 Corey Smith LS3 Naby Toure AME3 Abdulkalim Zakari

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15 DEC 2012 VFA-27 Children’s Christmas Party 28 DEC 2012 All Hands Call (Families welcome), 1300 @ Cinema 77 1 JAN 2013 New Years 17 JAN 2013 E7 Advancement exam 17 JAN 2013 VFA-27 Holiday Party

UPCOMING EVENTS

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MACE FACE P I CTURE BOARD

(clockwise from top left)

AMCS Barrera and flight deck crew watch as the final Mace jet leaves

the USS George Washington (CVN-73). The AO’s pose with the band The

Fray during their visit. AOAN Agee cleans the M61 Vulcan cannon. XO

presents AM3 Booc with a NAM.

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Ombudsman: Mrs. Becky Dobson vfa27ombudsman@yahoo.com Mrs. Amy Cragin

AWARDS /QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR SAILOR OF THE YEAR AT1 KEVIN CRAGIN NAVY AND MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL YNC CARMEN PITTMAN HM1 JOHN ESPELETA AE1 JAMES SCHMANSKI AM3 MARKANTHONY BOOC COMMANDING OFFICER LETTER OF COMMENDATION AM2 JERAMIE RACE AT3 MARCOS BECCERA AZ3 AMY FOSTER AOAN JOHNJEFFREY CARINO COMMANDING OFFICER LETTER OF APPRECIATION AE1 ADAM SPEIDEN ROYAL MACE OF THE MONTH AD3 BREEONNA WILSONMCCRAE (OCTOBER) PLANE CAPTAIN OF THE MONTH AN ROBERT SMITH (OCTOBER) SAFETY PRO OF THE MONTH AMEAN LAURA HUERTA (OCTOBER) ENLISTED AVIATION WARFARE SPECIALIST (EAWS) AM2 JERAMIE RACE YN2 CAALEB JOHNSON-BURROUGHS MA2 DARNELL KIRKLAND PS2 THEOPHILUS FONTENOT PR2 STEVEN TERRY PR3 RENATA ALVES AT3 CODY DEBOER AD3 CHRISTOPHER BREAULT ATAN ALEXANDRIA NASON AMEAN JOHN BORRMAN

AMC JOSHUA GLODOWSKI AO1 JASON ARMSTRONG AM3 CHRISTOPHER HOSKINS AO3 KENNETH ADAMS AD3 KARL HUNSAKER AOAN NICOLE HERALD AOAN JOHNPAUL PRICE AMAN ALEXANDER SHOHAM AMAN ELISAPETA MASINA AN CHRISTOPHER BAZANKOURY AMAN AARON DUQUE AMAN KEVIN GUZMAN AMEAN MATTHEW HARP

RYU MAXIMUS PATTERSON, 4 NOV 2012 PROUD PARENTS: CWO2 MIKE AND NATSUKO PATTERSON

MADELINE KAIRI KURTH, 23 NOV 2012

PROUD PARENTS: AT2 ALAN AND MARY KURTH

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

ENS MURDOCK 1 DEC AD1 STERLING 1 DEC AM3 EVALLE 2 DEC ADAN SIMPSON 2 DEC ADC ESCOTO 6 DEC LS3 XING 7 DEC CWO2 BALLARD 8 DEC ATCS HAZLEWOOD 8 DEC AT3 BECERRA 12 DEC AT1 LINK 12 DEC AR MANSON 12 DEC AMEAN COLLINS 14 DEC AOAN JOHNSON 16 DEC PR3 WOODS 16 DEC LCDR MCMORROW 17 DEC IS3 BLOOM 18 DEC MA2 TORRES 18 DEC AZAR MARTINEZ 28 DEC AEAN BURGE 29 DEC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

NEW MACES / BIRTHDAYS

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