THE GIANT VOICE is an informational podcast focusing on issues and concerns from personnel assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Every two weeks, our team of military broadcasters will tackle a new subject or community issue revolving around life at CFAY.
Episodes
The Giant Voice - Ep. 30 Suicide Prevention
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of self harm and suicide.
On this episode, we discuss the topic of suicide prevention. Join HM2 Chayla Coleman, Behavior Health Technician; LT Nikolas Curry, Region SAPR Officer/Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and MA1 Jeff Myer and MA1 Miranda Huffaker, Suicide Prevention Coordinators as we discuss this important issue.
09/26/2024
THE GIANT VOICE Ep. 29 - Back to School: Starting the Year Off Right
In this episode of the Yokosuka Giant Voice Podcast, we sit with two occupational therapists from Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command to discuss strategies and skills to manage at home to help children transitioning to or back into school routines. Ruth-Ann Hadjis-Vickory, from Yokota Division Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, and Rowana Reyes, who fills the same role in Yokosuka, emphasize the importance of managing change and expectations during the return to school season.
08/13/2024
THE GIANT VOICE Ep. 28 - Homeport Shifts and Managing Change as a Military Family
On this episode, we sit down with mental health professionals to discuss ways to manage the changes that come with an overseas homeport shift for you and your family.
Feature this week:
LCDR Allison Conforte PhD, Clinical Child
& Adolescent Psychologist, Department
Head, Educational and Developmental
Intervention Services (EDIS), Navy Medicine
Readiness and Training Command Yokosuka
LT Paige Giegel, DPT
Educational and Developmental Intervention
Services (EDIS), Assistant... read more
On this episode, we sit down with mental health professionals to discuss ways to manage the changes that come with an overseas homeport shift for you and your family.
Feature this week:
LCDR Allison Conforte PhD, Clinical Child
& Adolescent Psychologist, Department
Head, Educational and Developmental
Intervention Services (EDIS), Navy Medicine
Readiness and Training Command Yokosuka
LT Paige Giegel, DPT
Educational and Developmental Intervention
Services (EDIS), Assistant Department Head,
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training
Command Yokosuka
Michelle McDonald, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Educational & Developmental Intervention
Services (EDIS)
Atsugi & Yokota Divisions
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training
Command Yokosuka
HM2 Chayla Coleman
Behavioral Health Tech
Mental Health Clinic
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training
Command Yokosuka
Additional Resources:
Military Child Well-being Toolkit:
https://www.militarychild.org/resource/wellbeing-toolkit/Blue Star Families:
https://bluestarfam.org/
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Military & Family
Resource Center:
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_Youth/Resource_Centers/Military_Famil
ies_Resource_Center/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Military_F
amilies_Resource_Center/Home.aspx?hkey=662f6942-d174-4e75-9455-
5dabc9ab1158
Zero to Three Military Families: https://www.zerotothree.org/our-work/military-
families/
National Military & Family Association: https://www.militaryfamily.org/
Defense Health Agency & Mental Health for Youth & Teens Toolkit:
https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Toolkits/Mental-
Health/Seeking-Care-with-TRICARE/Mental-Health-for-Youth-Teens-and-
Young-Adults
Military OneSource EFMP & Me: https://efmpandme.militaryonesource.mil/
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Adolescent & School Mental Health:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/index.htm
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04/17/2024
THE GIANT VOICE Ep. 27 - Yokosuka Girl Scouts
On this episode, we have Vicky Adams and Amanda Meo from the Yokosuka Girls Scouts. Vicky is the local troop leader and explains what Girl Scouts is all about and how local community members in Yokosuka can get involved. Amanda is herself a girl scout, and is on the podcast to spread awareness about Yokosuka's stray cat problem as part of her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.
04/01/2024
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 26 #WelcomeAboardYokosuka Money Moves
In our fourth part of the #WelcomeAboardYokosuka mini-series, we talk with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Yokosuka's director, Caroline Coffer, and CFA Yokosuka Fleet & Family Support Center's Personal Financial Manager, Germaine Moore, about financial planning leading up to your PCS to Yokosuka and where to find resources to better prepare for expenses common in Japan, but uncommon in the United States. We also welcome Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alex Ponce and Personnel Specialist 2nd... read more
In our fourth part of the #WelcomeAboardYokosuka mini-series, we talk with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Yokosuka's director, Caroline Coffer, and CFA Yokosuka Fleet & Family Support Center's Personal Financial Manager, Germaine Moore, about financial planning leading up to your PCS to Yokosuka and where to find resources to better prepare for expenses common in Japan, but uncommon in the United States. We also welcome Personnel Specialist 1st Class Alex Ponce and Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Juacole Flynn of Regional Support Center Yokosuka to go over financial entitlements and benefits to ask your Command Pay and Personnel Administrator, or CPPA.
Resources:
CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/
CFAY ‘Welcome Aboard’ webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/
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03/19/2024
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 25 Moving Made Easy: Your guide for Household Goods, Storage, and Completing your Change of Address
In our third part of the #WelcomeAboardYokosuka mini-series, we discuss household goods, Post Office services on Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Ikego Housing Area, and what to do with all of the packing materials after the movers leave. Our experts include the Deputy Director of the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office Louis Juers, Matthew Morrison of NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, CFAY's Public Works Officer Cmdr. Tyler Sharar, and Chief Logisitics Specialist Dinchel Adolfo from the NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka operated Post Office.
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 24 Messages From the Red Cross
On this episode, we speak with Stephanie Soliz and Nicole Collers from the Yokosuka Red Cross about the upcoming Red Cross Month and some of the events and activities going on around base as part of it. We also talk about some of the many volunteer opportunities available for with the Red Cross for service members, families and civilians. There has also been a significant price reduction in all of the Yokosuka Red Cross's certification courses. Listen to the episode for all the details.
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 23 Orders to Japan - First things first on your PCS checklist
Join us as we dive into the essential first steps of relocating to Japan with Episode 2 of our Welcome Aboard mini-series. In this episode, our host MC2 Houghtaling leads an engaging conversation with a panel of experts including Lena Urena and Shannon Miller of the CFAY FFSC Relocation Program, HM1 Philip Saymo of USNH Yokosuka, CPT Torri Allen of Veterinary Readiness Command Japan – Yokosuka Branch, and Lou Ann Dyson of the Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO) Far East Office.... read more
Join us as we dive into the essential first steps of relocating to Japan with Episode 2 of our Welcome Aboard mini-series. In this episode, our host MC2 Houghtaling leads an engaging conversation with a panel of experts including Lena Urena and Shannon Miller of the CFAY FFSC Relocation Program, HM1 Philip Saymo of USNH Yokosuka, CPT Torri Allen of Veterinary Readiness Command Japan – Yokosuka Branch, and Lou Ann Dyson of the Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO) Far East Office. Together, they unpack the intricacies of Overseas Medical Screening, navigate the complexities of pet quarantine requirements, explore passport essentials, and provide invaluable guidance on contacting your sponsor. This episode is a must-listen for service members and their families preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), offering a roadmap to ensure a smooth transition. Tune in for a wealth of resources, tips, and firsthand insights to kickstart your journey. For more information, visit our CFAY website and the Welcome Aboard webpage.
Resources:
CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/
CFAY ‘Welcome Aboard’ webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/
USDA APHIS Pet Travel: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel
Yokosuka Vet Clinic Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/yokosukavetclinic/
Yokosuka Naval Base Veterinary Treatment Facility webpage: https://phcp.health.mil/Commands/Veterinary-Readiness-Activity-Japan/Yokosuka-Naval-Base/
Yokosuka Naval Hospital Overseas Medical Screening webpage: https://yokosuka.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/Readiness
CFAY Sponsorship Team email: cfay_cmd_sponsor@fe.navy.mil
CFAY Ombudsman email: cfayombudsman@yahoo.com
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02/06/2024
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 22 Welcome Aboard: USS George Washington
Welcome back to THE GIANT VOICE! It's anchors aweigh on season 2 of the podcast as host David Flewellyn speaks to CFAY's Commanding Officer Capt. Les Sobol, Command Master Chief Anwar Blakely and our Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Justin Keller about the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) hull swap. The group provided expectations for the hull swap and the year to come, along with offering a host of important welcome aboard resources for incoming Sailors.... read more
Welcome back to THE GIANT VOICE! It's anchors aweigh on season 2 of the podcast as host David Flewellyn speaks to CFAY's Commanding Officer Capt. Les Sobol, Command Master Chief Anwar Blakely and our Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Justin Keller about the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) hull swap. The group provided expectations for the hull swap and the year to come, along with offering a host of important welcome aboard resources for incoming Sailors.
Resources:
CFAY Website: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/
CFAY Welcome Aboard Webpage: https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Welcome-Aboard/
CFAY Command Sponsorship: cfay_cmd_sponsor@fe.navy.mil
CFAY Ombudsman: cfayombudsman@yahoo.com
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01/09/2024
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 21
Explore the world of Boy Scouts at CFAY with two special guests. They share insights into the Troop's impact and traditions, highlighting personal growth and friendship. Join us for a glimpse into the Boy Scouts' positive influence on CFAY's youth.
10/13/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 20
In lieu of September's Suicide Prevention Month, this episode addresses the suicide epidemic that so many service members face today. Command Chaplain CDR David Kim, Installation Director for Psychological Health, LCDR Miguel Alampay, and HM2 Chayla Coleman, Yokosuka Mental Health Clinic Manager, stop in to give insight and provide resources for those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health.
09/25/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep 19
On the Giant Voice this week is Iliza Shlesinger! We were very happy to have the comedian and actress stop by the podcast during her busy USO tour here in Japan. Joining her are fellow comedians Hunter Hill and Laura Peek for a fun conversation about the military, Japan, and eight-foot-tall babies.
07/28/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 18
This episode is about a new CFAY program called Sponsorship on Demand, a virtual town hall aimed at welcoming and informing new arrivals to Yokosuka.
07/10/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 17
Typhoon season is almost here, so this episode is all about typhoon preparedness. We speak to CFAY's Emergency Management Officer, Mike Maine, as well as CFAY's Public Affairs Officer, Randall Baucom, about what a typhoon is, TCCOR levels, how the base handles these types of storms, and what you can do to prepare yourself and you family. This episode has everything you need to know to be ready.
06/22/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - EP. 16
On this episode, NCIS Special Agent Shareka Dobbin Miller joins us for a frank discussion on the crime of sextortion. Cases of sextortion against service members have been increasing in recent years, so Special Agent Dobbin Miller is here to explain what sextortion is, ways to spot it, and what to do if you find yourself a victim.
06/12/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 15
The Shimoda Black Ship Festival, held in Shimoda, Shizuoka, is a long-running festival held to commemorate the arrival of Admiral Matthew Perry and his fleet of "black ships" to Japan in 1854. Held since 1943, the festival is held as a way to spread the city's history and contribute to international goodwill. On this episode, we speak to Yoshihiro Shimizu, the Director of Military Liaison and Civil Affairs for CFAY, as well as MC1 Kaleb Sarten from the CFAY Public Affairs Office, both of whom were at the festival this year. Join us as we get their impressions of the festival, as well as discuss some of its historical and cultural relevance.
05/25/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 14
Episode 14 is all about the Navy Reserve. We speak with the Commanding Officer and Command Master Chief of Navy Reserve Naval Forces Japan, Captain Chhipwadia and Master Chief Wagner, as well as Chief Warrant Officer Seals of Navy Reserve Recruiting Command. There is a lot of good information in this episode on transitioning from active duty to reserves, as well as retirement options, health benefits, and more.
05/16/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 13
The Master Chiefs are back! Episode 13 is all about mentorship in the Navy: how to find a mentor, what to look for, and what we can all learn from each other. Spend some time with us as we speak to 7th Fleet Command Master Chief Daniel Field and Fleet Activities Yokosuka Command Master Chief Robert Beachy about all things mentorship.
05/01/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 12
In Episode 12, MC2 Conner Houghtaling speaks with the Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Victims Legal Counsel. The Navy Victims’ Legal Counsel Program provides survivors of a sexual offense or domestic violence with a dedicated attorney to help victims understand the investigation and military justice process, guard their legal rights and interests and obtain additional support in accessing resources that may assist in their recovery.
04/17/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 11
On Episode 11, we speak with two members of the Sushi Rollers, Yokosuka's own roller derby team. Join us as members "Petty Rican Princess" and "Whacky Vengeance" tell us about the rules and history of roller derby, how the team formed in Yokosuka, and the inclusive community of roller derby.
03/21/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 10
In today's episode we speak with Vicki Adams, the regional program manager for the American Red Cross's Yokosuka branch. We'll be going over Red Cross Messages, CPR Classes, and every other service the Red Cross brings to Yokosuka.
03/15/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 9
In this fantasy-filled episode, we meet with members of CFAY's Morale, Welfare and Readiness (MWR) department to talk all things Dungeons & Dragons.
03/06/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 8
Command Master Chief's Corner (Part 2 of 2). In this two part episode, we sit down with Command Master Chiefs from around Yokosuka to discuss issues that affect enlisted Sailors and their families. Join us for part two, where we talk to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Command Master Chief Robert Beachy, 7th Fleet Command Master Chief Daniel Field, and Destroyer Squadron 15 Command Master Chief James Wallace.
02/20/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep.7
Command Master Chief's Corner (Part 1 of 2)
In this two part episode, we sit down with Command Master Chiefs from around Yokosuka to discuss issues that affect enlisted Sailors and their families. Join us for part one, where we talk to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Command Master Chief Robert Beachy, Ship Repair Facility Command Master Chief Thomas Howell, and Afloat Training Group Western Pacific Command Master Chief Iris Velez.
02/02/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 6
It's Episode 6, and it's finally time to meet the hosts of the Giant Voice. We've been working hard to bring you this podcast, and wanted to take some time to introduce ourselves and talk about some of the goals we have for the show, as well as ask for your input on future episodes.
01/23/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 5
Join us for In Episode 5 as we speak to CFAY's own commanding officer Capt. Les Sobol about some of your concerns, how CFAY has changed in the past year, and what we all have to look forward to in 2023.
01/09/2023
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 3
In Episode 3, we invite Lieutenant Commander Shane Beener from N9 department to discuss job opportunities around CFAY, what the child youth program can do for you, as well as the newly opened teen center.
11/28/2022
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 2
In Episode 2, we speak with Cdr. David Kim, CFAY's command chaplain about mental health issues in the military and the resources available to those who may be suffering through them.
11/14/2022
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 1
In Episode 1, we speak to Commander, Navy Region Japan Rear Adm. Carl A. Lahti about the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and what it means for service members, dependents, and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians in Japan.
10/24/2022
THE GIANT VOICE - Ep. 4
In Episode 4, Mr. Esteban Abreu, CFAY's housing director, joins the podcast to speak about the process of obtaining military housing in Japan, as well as some recent issues in one of CFAY's barracks buildings.