18 JAX AIR NEWS, NAS JACKSONVILLE, Thursday, July 16, 2009 Kon 'nichi wa Kadena! By Lt. j.g. Chelsea Brunoehler VP-45 It was an emotional goodbye boarding North American Airlines flight 1708 the last VP-45 airlift to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. There were feelings of melancholy as we left our loved ones behind, but also feelings of eager antici- pation as 18 months of prepara- tion reached its pinnacle and our skills were to be called on in a real world environment. For many "Pelicans" this would be their first deployment, their first time out of country, and the longest period of separation from spouses and loved ones. For oth- ers, this was a familiar feeling, experienced six or more times already, and the second or third time in Seventh Fleet. Even for the most experienced Sailors, however, this was an emotional day. Fortunately, our over-stimu- lated brains were eased by some fairly luxurious accommodations as we boarded the plane. With only 109 Pelicans aboard a 200 passenger aircraft, most had one or two extra seats for spreading out. There were also four flight attendants eager to serve us what seemed to be two or three meals per leg. Inflight videos helped us take our minds off of home and settle in for a long transit. Three legs and 23 hours later, we landed on a warm, sunny Okinawa day. We were welcomed by members of our squadron who had detached earlier to begin our transition with VP-5. The sunny, humid free climate was a welcome surprise, as we were prepared for 100 percent humid- ity and week-long rain storms. The sun was only to last three days, but it definitely helped us to remain positive in the early days of our arrival. Almost immediately we were engrossed in the mission of Seventh Fleet. We joined the rest of our Pelican comrades in orga- nizing offices, accounting for our pack-out, maintaining aircraft, creating new charts, and flying our birds. With only a few minor setbacks in personnel accommo- dations and bus routing, we were well on our way to a successful turnover and an effective pres- ence. Pelican crew completes Singapore Detachment Lt. j.g. Nate Driessen VP-45 PAO Combat Aircrew 4 and a crew of 9 maintainers kicked off their 2009 7th fleet deployment with a detach- ment to Singapore. They left Kadena Air Base June 8 and returned June 17. The crew traveled to Singapore to support the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, which Singapore hosts. As the aircraft approached Paya Lebar airfield, the crew was astonished with the scen- ery and the view of hundreds of ships enter- ing and leaving port. Although Singapore is a major import/export hub, it was still surprising to see the scale of shipping traffic that takes place there. Upon arrival, it could not be ignored how immaculate everything was kept. The vehicles, buildings, sidewalks, and even the streets seemed impeccably clean. It was very apparent that the citizens of Singapore take great pride in their country. From the time they landed, the eager "Pelicans" took in as much of the beautiful country as pos- sible. The first few days of the detachment were designated as free days, which were used to make minor aircraft repairs, explore the local culture and make sure all of the necessary prepa- rations were made to participate in the detach- ment. During their off time, the Pelicans enjoyed some of the many historic and famous sites of Singapore. Members of the crew participated in the Singapore Night Safari, and explored the Singapore Zoo where they were amazed at vari- ety of wild life and up close experience they had. They rode the world's largest ferris wheel, the 42- story high Singapore Flyer, which gave a breath- taking 360-degree view of the growing skyline, historic landmarks, Marina Bay and the Singapore River. Another attraction they visited was the historic Raffles Hotel and Museum. The hotel has experienced much adversity throughout its 122 year tenure, surviving the Great Depression, Japanese occupation of Singapore, Liberation of Singapore, World War II, and subsequently being used as a transit camp for prisoners of war. It was declared of national monument by the national government in 1987. The crew also shopped in the various districts of town to include Chinatown, Little India and the electronics centers. A BBQ and symposium for all participants to meet and discuss working together with their various platforms kicked off the exercise June 11, with operations set to begin the next day. Unfortunately, when it came time to fly in sup- port of the exercise, the crew discovered an air- craft malfunction, which would prevent their par- ticipation. The crew proceeded to use their last few days of detachment to continue experiencing as much of Singapore as they could and preparing themselves and the aircraft for the return trip to Kadena and the deployment ahead. New vitamin D recommendations unveiled regarding skin cancer From The Skin Cancer Foundation T he Skin Cancer Foundation recently revised its daily vita- min D intake recommenda- tion for adults who have limited sun exposure or who practice photo-protec- tion. The previous dosage of 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily has been raised to 1,000 IU. For children under the age of 18, including infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU of vitamin D per day. The foundation rec- ommends that vitamin D should be obtained from a combination of dietary sources and vitamin D sup- plements. "Based on the current data, we feel comfort- able recommending this increase," said Warwick Morison, chairman of The Skin Cancer Foundation's Photobiology Committee. "We know it is well with- in the safety limits set by the US Food and Nutrition Board and it may help alle- viate vitamin D deficiency which has been a growing concern for people." Vitamin D is essential for bone health and has been shown to have other important health benefits. Inadequate levels of vita- min D are associated with immune-related disease such as type I diabetes, hypertension and rheuma- toid arthritis, as well as cer- tain cancers. However, it should be emphasized that no causal relationship has been established between vitamin D levels and these diseases. There are three sources of vitamin D: (1) exposure to UV and UVB radiation, (2) certain foods, and (3) vita- min D supplements. Ultraviolet (UV) radia- tion (UV) from the sun and tanning beds is a proven human carcinogen and is RADIO CONTROL HEADQUARTERS CARS BOATS PLANES TRAINS 723 03d t. Ja 72-02 responsible for DNA dam- age that can result in skin cancer as well as depressed immunity and photo-aging. About 90 percent of non- melanoma skin cancers are associated with UV from the sun and many cases of melanoma have been attrib- uted to UV radiation. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is the portion of sunlight that stimulates human skin to produce vitamin D. The limited benefits of exposure to UVB radiation cannot be separated from the harmful effects. Therefore, the saf- est and recommended way to obtain adequate vitamin D is through a combination of diet and vitamin D sup- plements. Vitamin D can be obtained from oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sar- dines) and cod liver oil as well as from fortified orange juice and milk (both with 100 IU per 8 oz.), yogurts, and some cereals such as Kashi, Grape Nuts and Total (100 IU per serving). Supplements are readily available and inexpensive. Practicing a comprehen- sive sun protection regimen to avoid the risk of skin cancer is essential. The Skin Cancer Foundation's prevention guidelines include: seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., daily use of an SPF- 15 or higher sunscreen, and wearing sun-protec- tive clothing including wide brimmed hats and UV-pro- tective sunglasses. For the full guidelines, visit www. skincancer.org. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I know how much vitamin D I should be taking? The Skin Cancer Foundation recommendsthatyouobtain 1,000 IU daily through a combination of food and supplements. You should discuss your adequate vitamin D supplement intake with your physician. A blood test that measures one's vitamin D level (assessed as 25-OH vitamin D) is widely available. Can too much vitamin D (via supplements) cause problems? Vitamin D can be toxic in high doses. The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board states that an intake of 2000 IU per day is the upper limit for safety. If you are concerned that you might be getting too much vitamin D consult with your doctor. A blood test that measures one's vitamin D level (assessed as 25-OH Vitamin D) is widely available. If I use sunscreen, will it make me deficient in vitamin D? Proper sunscreen use and other photo-protection practices may decrease vitamin D synthesis. However, there are significant proven benefits from protecting your skin against the harmful effects of UVB radiation. That is why the safest and recommended way to obtain adequate vitamin D is through a combination of diet and vitamin I 1 NA:I :I LI I The Air Force Reserve is Continue to build close offering part-time, and full- friendships, serve your country time opportunities for Aircraft and participate in experiences Mechanics with excellent unique to the military. benefits, including choice of home base, education Accomplish extraordinary things assistance, secure employment while you achieve your and competitive pay. personal goals. Choose your home base and you will not be transferred. Receive low cost TRICARE health insurance. Maintain retirement benefits. In most cases you can retain your rank. Specific jobs come with signing bonuses. D supplements. of vitamin D through food Isn't a little sun every day and supplements. Too much OK? exposure to UVB actually Damage to your skin from reduces vitamin D, breaking it the sun can happen in just a down to inactive compounds. few minutes. While very limited Don't tanning beds help with exposure to UVB will synthesize vitamin D? vitamin D (how much varies That'swhattheywouldlikeyou based on skin type, season, to believe. While most tanning time of day and geographical beds mainly emit ultraviolet A location), it is easier and safer radiation (UVA), some do emit to obtain the adequate amount low levels of UVB radiation which do synthesize vitamin D. However, UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a proven human carcinogen and is responsible for DNA damage that can result in skin cancer as well as depressed immunity and photo-aging. The limited benefits of exposure to UVB radiation cannot be separated from the harmful effects of tanning beds.