DECEMBER 1, 2013
INSIDE: WORKING ALOFT PG. 8
NHL ROUND-UP
Vol. 39 No. 42
THANKSGIVING FEAST PHOTOS
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NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth Executive Officer Capt. J.J. Cummings Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri M. McIntyre Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media DIVO Ensign John Mike Media LCPO MCC Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 Michael Cole Editor MC3 George J Penney III Lead Designer MCSN Andrew Price Media Department MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Jason Behnke MC2 Devin Wray MC2 Ryan Mayes MC2 Alexander Ventura II MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 Linda S. Swearingen MC3 Jess Lewis MC3 Vanessa David MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Phil Ladouceur MC3 Sam Souvannason MC3 Nathan McDonald MC3 Joshua Haiar MC3 Raul Moreno Jr. MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Derek Harkins MCSN Kaitlyn Haskett MCSN Eric Butler MCSN Siobhana McEwen MCSN Aiyana Paschal MCSA Kelly Agee MCSA Victoria Ochoa Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. Submissions are subject to review and screening. “Nimitz News” is an authorized publication for the members of the military services and their families. Its content does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby.
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By Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Harding
COUPLES DON’T FALL OUT OF LOVE THEY FALL OUT OF REPENTANCE As we are close to returning home and reuniting with our spouses I thought I would share a principle that will help you reconnect with your spouse. I have officiated at more than a hundred weddings over the time I have been a chaplain. During the ceremony as I look upon the couple, I have yet to have a couple look at each other with hatred in their eyes for their future spouse. Instead, as they look at one another they almost seem to glow with the euphoria of the moment. Fast-forward a few months or years and now the couple no longer looks at each other with that same fondness. What happened? A prominent writer on marriage stated that “couples don’t fall out of love, they fall out of repentance.” I have seen the great truth in this statement. The principle of repentance can be applied to marriage whether you are religious or not. I believe there are five basic steps of repentance, which if applied to any relationship will lead to a great degree of harmony and satisfaction. Step 1- Acknowledge you have done wrong. Think of the good will that could be engendered by being willing to say you have messed up. The opposite is also true. If every time your spouse brings up an issue and your response is “oh yeah, what about…..” you know you are on the wrong track. Step 2- Feel real remorse about what
you have done. The apostle Paul refers to this as Godly sorrow. This means you are sorry you did something wrong, not sorry you got caught. Step 3- Make restitution for what you have done. This step can be difficult, especially if your offense can’t be easily fixed. This step is absolutely essential because it shows your spouse that you are serious about changing your behavior. Step 4- A deep heartfelt apology will work wonders. Notice this is step four. You can’t skip steps one, two, & three. If you do, your apology will come across as shallow and without real meaning. Depending on the offense, you may have to apologize more than once. Step 5- Don’t repeat the behavior again. Think of how it makes you feel if someone does something to hurt you, says they are sorry and then does the same thing again and again. True repentance leads to a change in behavior. When couples apply the principle of repentance to their marriages it leads to their hearts softening towards each other. The goal of every marriage should be to learn how to be one with your spouse. This is extremely difficult to do if your hearts have turned to granite. Applying the principle of repentance will soften your hearts like clay and you can experience the joy of being one.
NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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GOVERNMENT PROGRAM WANTS 5,000 VETS IN WIRELESS TECH JOBS BY 2015 American Forces Press Service
Today, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy joined with a coalition of private-sector partners from the telecommunications industry to launch “Warriors 4 Wireless,” a new nonprofit program aimed at connecting veterans and returning service members to jobs in the rapidly growing wireless telecommunications industry. A White House release said the program includes stakeholders from Joining Forces -- a national initiative that provides opportunities and support to military members and their families -- as well as from the private sector, the federal government, the U.S. military, and industry trade associations committed to scaling successful training models for veterans with wireless-relevant skills. Warriors 4 Wireless builds on a Veterans IT Training and Certification program, launched at the White House in April 2013 in response to a call to action by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama asking industries to make it easier for military service members and veterans to receive civilian training and certifications, according to the release. Although the majority of IT specialists in the military receive training that is equivalent to their civilian IT counterparts, they typically do not have industry-recognized certifications that reflect the IT skills and expertise gained during service, the release said. “The administration is committed to the care of all service members, veterans, and their families,” Army Col. Rich Morales, executive director of Joining Forces, said in the release. “We are proud to support initiatives like Warriors for Wireless that play a critical role in connecting members of the armed forces leaving military service to the jobs training and certification necessary to obtain many high-tech, high-skilled jobs in the private sector.” Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said in the release, “I wholeheartedly salute the Warriors for Wireless initiative aimed at connecting our Nation’s veterans and returning service members to
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jobs in the rapidly growing wireless telecommunications industry. It’s a win for the increasing number of Americans across our nation who rely on wireless networks at work and at home, and the exciting new opportunities that these networks are helping create in health care, education and every corner of our economy. Let’s work together to make it a success.” The Warriors 4 Wireless program is designed to help address the shortage of skilled jobs for returning veterans while satisfying the wireless industry’s immediate need for skilled tower-climbers to rapidly, efficiently, and safely deploy wireless telecommunications equipment and facilities. The Warriors 4 Wireless pilot program was launched in Washington, D.C., in 2012, achieving an 86 percent job-placement rate for the more than 50 participating veterans, according to the release. Today’s event will expand the pilot program to a nationwide initiative, with the launch of new partners and industry commitments. Industry partners -- including Cisco, American Tower, Dynis, and PCIA -- are supporting Warriors 4 Wireless in a number of ways, including by providing industry-recognized technical and safety training and certifications to veterans, developing new curricula and skills-training modules, and connecting transitioning service members to available wireless-industry jobs across the country, the release said. Among the new commitments announced at today’s event: -- Dynis has trained and employed more than 50 servicemen and women through the Warriors 4 Wireless pilot program over the past year. Dynis will continue to support an expanded Warriors 4 Wireless program through equipment contributions and curriculum development and by providing training opportunities, training instructors, and funding. -- MasTec is providing training facilities and instructors to support Warriors 4 Wireless, and has committed to connect 1,500-plus expected MasTec job openings in the first half of 2014 to veterans and service members participating in the Warriors 4 Wireless program.
-- American Tower Company is partnering with Warriors 4 Wireless to help launch careers in the wireless industry for returning service members. ATC will provide participants access to select assets in the ATC tower portfolio for training and certification and it is working to help connect program graduates with potential employment opportunities at ATC. Additionally, ATC is supporting the design and implementation of the Warriors 4 Wireless Training Program at Aiken Technical College in South Carolina. -- Futures, Inc. is providing the “US IT Pipeline” online platform, originally developed for the IT Training and Certification Program launched last April, which will be the centralized hub for matching and connecting service members with civilian training, certifications, and employment opportunities as part of the Warriors 4 Wireless program. -- Cisco is committed to helping train, connect and hire veterans as they transition from the military to the private sector. Through support of the US IT Pipeline, Cisco will continue to work with Futures, Inc., and other Warriors 4 Wireless partners to provide training and access to high-skilled job opportunities to servicemen and women. Additionally, Cisco will provide support to help enable wireless employers and veteran job applicants conduct virtual interviews from anywhere around the globe. -- Outside Planet Magazine, a telecommunications industry publication, is supporting the mission of Warriors 4 Wireless by donating media and advertising support to raise awareness about these efforts. Tom Kalil, deputy director for technology and innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said, “Today’s employers require a workforce equipped with 21st-century skills and training. Our men and women in the armed forces are uniquely positioned with the knowledge and drive to succeed, but may lack certain industry qualifications. We applaud this initiative aimed at enabling thousands of service members to earn industry-recognized credentials and translate their military experience into private-sector careers.”
NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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TURKEYDAY PHOTOS BY NIMITZ MEDIA DEPARTMENT
Sailors and Marines participate in the 5k turkey trot fun run on the flight deck.
Sailors and Marines participate in the 5k turkey trot fun run on the flight deck.
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Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Harding recites a Thanksgiving prayer for
r Sailors.
CSSN Devarnty Graham prepares ham for the Thanksgiving meal.
CSSN Alvin Hayes, of VAW-117 prepares pies for the Thanksgiving meal.
NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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FC3 Trevor Izard performs maintenance on a radar, while other Sailors work aloft.
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he day starts with stopping by combat systems tool issue to check out a harness, as well as climbing gear and maintenance equipment. After strapping on an extra 10 – 20 pounds of equipment, it’s off to the radio room for a brief. to be working with actual firepower, working aloft to maintain the SPQ-9B is important. “The main thing that keeps me focused is that I love my job,” Izard said. “I don’t shoot, but I protect the ship. I appreciate knowing that I have the opportunity to do the best I can to save lives in the unlikely event we’re ever attacked.” The weather has been a little more conducive to going aloft since the beginning of deployment, but, Izard said, the work still needs to be done when Nimitz is in homeport. “At home it’s cold, damp and slippery, and because it’s so cold, the metal expands and it can be hard to move the equipment,” Izards said, “but I still love it.” Maintenance requirements means going aloft at least once a month. While working, Izard said he benefits from having a ‘bird’s eye view.’ Izard said he’s been able to see some pretty unique things from the top of the ship. “The coolest things I’ve seen so far have been foreign ships, and a lot of helicopters,” said Izard. “Going aloft is euphoric. It’s easy to focus on my work, and gives me a great perspective that not everyone on the boat gets to have,” Izard said. 9 NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
Chits must be routed and signed off, safety observers posted, and a call over the 1MC must be made to notify the crew. Finally, the climb can begin: up from the 03 level, out the door of the 010, up the catwalk to the 011 level and then through a small door in the mast of ship. From there, there’s nowhere to go but up. Only a handful of Sailors on board Nimitz are fully aloft qualified. One of those Sailors is Fire Controlman 3rd Class Trevor Izard, of Thousand Oaks, Calif. “The first time I made the climb, I was nervous,” Izard said. Now, going aloft to one of the highest points on the ship is a routine and enjoyable part of Izard’s work experience. “I don’t really get scared up there,” said Izard. “You’re tied on, so you can’t fall.” Izard reported on board just over a year ago, with orders to serve as a radar technician. One of Izard’s main duties is to maintain Nimitz’ SPQ-9B radar, the ship’s primary fire control radar. According to Izard, the SPQ-9B can detect any missile, jet or small surface craft approaching the ship. Izard said that even though he would like
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viation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Jociah Starks moved to Germany at a young age. His father served 20 years in the Army and retired as a master sergeant. His mother lived in Mexico. With split parents and a father in the Army, Starks found himself mov-
ing a lot. “When I moved to Germany, I didn’t know anyone,” said Starks. “I lived in the countryside. Most people only spoke German, and on top of that I was shy.” Starks said his father knew he wasn’t into sports, so to ease his son’s boredom and build a bond, he suggested Starks give music a try. One day, Starks came home to a new beginner’s keyboard, and learned to play at a rapid pace. “My dad taught me some basic fundamentals about music, and how to use the keyboard,” said Starks. “Later he installed some music programs on my computer; FL studio and Reason. I learned how to sequence and mix the songs I made. I just loved it.” Starks and his father share an account on a music sharing website that they upload the beats and songs they make to share with the world. Even now, on deployment, Starks still finds time to make music. “We don’t do it for money, we just do it for us,” said Starks. “It’s an escape for me. I read. I make music. I like being creative.” The primary genres of music Starks makes are hip-hop, R&B and pop. His set up on the ship consists of a laptop with a few music editing programs, monitor headphones, and a MIDI keyboard that he uses to make his beats. What started as a hobby to pass the time, turned into a passion Starks will have for the rest of his life. With no money for school and working a job that wasn’t really going anywhere, Starks decided on joining the Navy after a talk with his father. “I wanted to do something more, so at [the age of] 20, I joined the Navy,” said Starks. “I plan on continuing school after deployment and after the Navy. My dream job is producing or engineering music.” Although Starks has already started down the path of a career in music, he knows that dreams do not simply fall into place. “If you really want something, you have to set goals, have a plan,” said Starks. “It takes time so you have to make a big commitment. Tell yourself everyday, ‘I want my dream job.’ Take action and do something every day. The best job in the world is one you enjoy.” STORY AND PHOTO BY MCSN (SW) AIYANA S. PASCHAL
NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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SO YOU WANNA BUY A CAR? A Q&A WITH NIMITZ’ CFS STORY BY MCSN ERIC BUTLER
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Many young Sailors will soon be getting back to homeport from their first deployment. If they didn’t use up their money on port calls, a lot of them will most likely have a hefty sum ready for spending upon return home. Often heard around the deck plates this tour, buying a vehicle is foremost on many minds. The freedom a vehicle can bring is hard to pass up when there is money to buy it. Most people can recall their first car with fondness, regardless of its quality. Unfortunately, the excitement of buying a first car can blind young people to many financial dangers that the school of hard knocks dishes out. When the chain of command puts out information about all the car dealers and payday loan sharks lining the streets around military bases, it’s no joke. Of all the things said at boot camp to scare young Sailors straight, the stories of mismanaged finances among junior service members are true. Many young people become saddled with enormous debt and interest rates causing them to pay many times more than they wanted for vehicles and the like. But fear not shipmates, there are many resources and good advice for forward-thinking Sailors in regards to buying a car. Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Scott Thrasher, Nimitz’ financial specialist, answered some questions with his advice on looking for a vehicle.
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Q: If Sailors are looking for a vehicle when they get back, where should they look? Thrasher: They should first do their research, most of which can be done online. Research not only the price of the vehicle, but whether or not the dealer is reputable. Research dealer reviews. Also, prospective car buyers should consult their credit union and see if they might pre-qualify for a loan. Often, your credit union will give you a better interest rate than the dealership. While Google reviews can provide the average Joe’s feedback on businesses, it’s often worthwhile to look at Better Business Bureau’s review of a company online. Q: If Sailors are set on buying a new vehicle, what are some signs that they are getting a bad deal? Thrasher: The car salesman/woman is not your buddy. A good price on the car is not always a good deal. Finance managers can sneak in fees, dealers can undervalue your trade-in, your loan APR (annual percentage rate) is increased, and you are enticed to purchase extras. Extras can include needless features that cost extra money and paperwork that allows the dealer to find loopholes in the warranty. There are services Sailors can take advantage of for free on base in Everett where legal assistants can help review a copy of the proposed contract to make sure the dealer is cutting an honest bargain. Their contact information can be found at the end of this article. Q: What resources are readily available for Sailors buying vehicles, new by dealers or used by owners? Thrasher: Kelly Blue Book, Car Facts, Edmonds, CarWoo (internet
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search that withholds your identity and contact information) and your bank are just a few of the many resources on your side. Consumer Reports, like Edmonds, are website that include professional reviews on all kinds of vehicles. Additionally, a good rule-of-thumb when looking at used cars is to obtain the VIN, an official serial number on all vehicles which can be found on either the driver’s side door or by the base of the windshield. This number can be used to research the history of cars on sites like Carfax. When looking at the history, a car may be unreliable if it has been rebuilt in structure or in title. A vehicle with a rebuilt history should be inspected by a professional to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road. Q: What additional advice do you have for Sailors buying used cars from dealers or owners? Thrasher: Unless you know a lot about cars, I don’t recommend buying from an owner. When buying used, try to get a certified vehicle that has been inspected and has an existing warranty. If an owner will not allow a car to be inspected before you purchase it, don’t buy it. The average vehicle technician at any repair shop is usually happy to give advice over the phone about any prospective vehicle you are looking at. They can describe what a given vehicle often needs repairs for and if it will cost more than the vehicle is worth over time. Another thing to keep in mind is the type of vehicle it is and if replacement parts are affordable and easy to find. If you are looking at a car being sold by the owner, find a car-savvy friend to bring along or take the vehicle to a shop and
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have it inspected if you are serious about buying it. Q: What do Sailors need to know about registering a vehicle on base? Thrasher: You will need your license, registration, proof of insurance, and a military ID. Per a recent NAVADMIN, stickers will no longer be issued for cars. To register a vehicle on base, see the Pass and ID office at Naval Station Everett, or in San Diego by the main gate. Legal services are located at the Regional Legal Service Office, Northwest Branch Office on base. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. where Sailors can have contracts reviewed by a professional for free prior to making a large purchase. Call (425)304-4551 to make an appointment. For those getting off in San Diego, legal services are located at the Regional Service Office-Southwest in Suite 2 of Building 56 on 3395 Sturtevant Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be reached at (619)556-2349. No amount of research is too much when making a significant purchase such as buying a car. In today’s electronically-saturated information age, research is easier than ever. Sailors returning to homeport have many resources to make good use of their taxfree savings to invest in a quality vehicle. Staying in financial good graces with the Navy should also be a priority for service members, especially those with a security clearance or strikers going for jobs requiring them. Don’t go dink with your finances and make good use of that hard-earned deployment money when buying a car.
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NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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NHL ROUNDUP The Blues are riding the best power play in the league, but more importantly, they have the top five-on-five goals for/against ratio (1.69). On fire.
We’ll know more about the Wild following the next stretch when they face St. Louis, Phoenix, Colorado (three times), Chicago, San Jose (Twice) and Anaheim. Yikes!
Said one rival GM last week: “It’s still Chicago and the rest, in my opinion. They’re still one layer above everyone else.”
The Coyotes have dropped three of four games even though they’ve outshot the opposition 88-57 in their last two, which were losses to Colorado and Anaheim.
Trivia question: Who leads the high-flying Sharks in ice time? That would be none other than shutdown blueliner Justin Braun, at 21:55 per game.
No Jonathan Quick until after Christmas. Can Ben Scrivens keep it up?
What a week it was for the Avs, who went 3-0-0 against Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles -- three big tilts.
How’s that Dustin Penner signing working out? How about 17 points (611) in 19 games and league-leading plus-18? Ok, then.
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The Leafs continue to give up the most shots per game (36.2) in the NHL but also continue to find ways to win, thanks to hot goaltending, solid special teams and timely scoring. Can it last?
Huge week for the Habs, who beat Minnesota, Washington and Pittsburgh under intense pressure at home. Max Pacioretty has scored five goals in his last two games.
What a game against St. Louis on Thursday night. Sign me up if that’s our Stanley Cup finals this season. Another nice test for the B’s on Monday night at home against the Penguins.
Hmmm, wonder if there’s a game in Ottawa on Sunday that a certain Red Wing has circled on his calendar?
James Neal is coming on since returning from injury, with six points (3-3) in his last three games as he tries to stay in the Team Canada mix.
The Blueshirts have gone 9-4-0 since dropping their home opener to Montreal last month. Rick Nash is back and Alain Vigneault’s men have come together.
By Rick Rickson
They took 50 shots at the Maple Leafs on Saturday night but sufferend a third straight loss (0-2-1) to put them on a mini-skid.
Are the Senators melting under the burden of expectations? Mercy, not sure there’s been a more disappointing story this season when you factor in where people thought this team would be.
Just three wins in 10 November games for the Canucks, who have come down to earth after a hot start under John Tortorella.
Last place in the Central Division and 10 points out of a playoff spot, reality is beginning to set in for the Jets.
The Stamko-less Lightning were shut out during a tough Western road trip, with four straight losses (0-3-1).
Only Edmonton and Calgary have given up more goals per game this season.
Jamie Benn is playing his way onto Canada’s Olympic team.
Hey, you have to start somewhere. The Oilers have three straight wins entering Monday night’s game with Chicago.
It sure felt like rock bottom when the Flyers were embarassed 7-0 at home by Washington on Nov. 1. Cue the turnaround: 7-1-2 since then. Claude Giroux looks like the Claude Giroux of old and the Flyers are back.
The Blue Jackets must be thankful that they moved to the East, as they could still salvage their season in the Metropolitan Division.
How long can they hang on without Pekka Rinne?
Word is the Flames have made center Mikael Backlund available on the trade market.
After a solid road trip west, the Devils have games this week with Winnipeg, Carolina (home-and-home) and Buffalo. Time to make a move in the East.
I will say this: They play hard despite the losses mounting up; the work ethic is there.
Cam Ward was terrific as the Hurricanes picked up three out of four points this weekend against Boston and Ottawa.
Cody Hodgson is the only Sabre with double-digit points on the season. That kind of says it all. NIMITZ NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2013
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