Oct. 2, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 114
DAILY DIGEST
A REMEMBERS
NIMITZ STRIKE GROUP Story by MCSN (SW) Derek A. Harkins
memorial service was held for Lt. Cmdr. Landon L. Jones and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan S. Gibson, from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, on the flight deck, Oct. 1. The Sailors were lost in a helicopter crash in the central Red Sea Sept. 22. As the ceremony began, a formation of Sailors and Marines from Nimitz and embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and Carrier Airwing (CVW) 11 came to attention for the parading of the colors and the national anthem. After the guard retired colors, attendees were invited to join in prayer before Sailors from HSC-6 took the stage. One of the Sailors, Lt. Cmdr. Steve Morrissey, read a letter from Jones’ spouse and offered words of remembrance about him. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Sailor of the Day
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Story by MC3 Chris Bartlett
ire Controlman 3rd Class Natalie Tardif, a native of Whidbey Island, Wash., was named Sailor of the Day, Oct. 1. “It feels slightly embarrassing but it’s a nice surprise,” said Tardif. As a food service attendant for S-2 Division, she was appointed as day check supervisor for the chief petty officer’s mess. She displayed exceptional leadership skills as she supervised five food service attendants in proper operation, maintenance, and cleanliness of the chief ’s mess. She also acted as repair parts petty officer for CS-7 Division, where she was instrumental in Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth
the ordering, tracking, and receipt of standard and casualty repair parts for six weapons systems and two RADARS. Tardif said the secret to her success is simple. “Not running away from work, just keeping up with everything even though some days everybody doesn’t want to get out of bed, but you still get up early and do whatever you got to do,” said Tardif. Tardif has some words of encouragement for those who strive to get the Sailor of the Day. “Basically the simple things like showing up on time in the right uniform goes a long ways,” said Tardif.
Executive Officer Capt. John Cummings
Editor MC2 (SW) Jason Behnke
Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri McIntyre
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski
Lead Designer MC3 (SW) George J. Penney III
Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All 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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“He was humble,” said Morrissey. “He didn’t become a pilot for recognition.” Lt. j.g., Justin Felgar and Lt. j.g. Kristin Hope, from HSC-6, spoke in remembrance of Gibson. “Anyone who knew [Gibson] will attest to his never ending devotion to his wife, his children, his friends and to the Navy,” said Felgar. “Due to this strength of character and natural charm, he was purely loved by all who knew him. [Gibson] made his family proud and served his country with honor.” Cmdr. David Burke, the commanding officer of HSC-6, gave his condolences to the families of the fallen Sailors. “My thoughts are with [the wives,] families and children this morning as they continue to mourn the loss of Landon and John,” said Burke. “We grieve with them.” Following a benediction and memorial sermon, with an interlude of the traditional hymn “Eternal Father,” the element of Sailors and Marines prepared for the final salute. The formation gave a hand salute as a sevenperson rifle detail, comprised of Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, rendered a 21-gun salute in honor of Jones and
By MC3 (SW) Raul Moreno Jr.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Sailors and Marines bow their heads in prayer during the memorial service for Lt. Cmdr. Landon L. Jones and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jonathan S. Gibson.
Gibson. “Their legacy will endure because they shaped so many young careers, through leadership and example, as aviators, teachers and men,” said Burke. As the detail fired its third volley, “Taps” played over the flight deck’s sound system. “Rest in peace buddy and stay strong,” said Morrissey in farewell to Jones. “You are and always will be missed.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
From the White House
To the dedicated and hard-working employees of the United States Government: The Federal Government is America’s largest employer, with more than 2 million civilian workers and 1.4 million active duty military who serve in all 50 States and around the world. But Congress has failed to meet its responsibility to pass a budget before the fiscal year that begins today. And that means much of our Government must shut down effective today. I want you to know that I will keep working to get Congress to reopen the Government, restart vital services that the American people depend on, and allow public servants who have been sent home to return to work. At my direction, your agencies should have reached out to you by now about what a shutdown means for our and your families. Today, I wanted to take a moment to tell you what you mean to me - and to our country. That begins by saying thank you for the work you do every day-work that is vitally important to our national security and to American families’ economic security. You defend our country overseas and ensure that our troops receive the benefits they deserve when they come home. You guard our borders and protect our civil rights. You help small businesses expand and gain new footholds in overseas markets. You guide hundreds of thousands of people each day through the glory of America’s national parks and monuments, from Yosemite to the Statue of Liberty. And much more. You do all this in a political climate that, too often in recent years, has treated you like a punching bag. You have endured three years of a Federal pay freeze, harmful sequester cuts, and now, a shutdown of our Government. And yet, you persevere, continuing to serve the American people with passion, professionalism, and skill. None of this is fair to you. And should it continue, it will make it more difficult to keep attracting the kind of driven, patriotic, idealistic Americans to public service that our citizens deserve and that our system of self-government demands. Public service is noble. Public service is important. And by choosing public service, you carry on a proud tradition at the heart of some of this
country’s greatest and most lasting achievements. In fact, more than 50 current or former Federal employees have received the Nobel Prize for their efforts. It was grants from the Department of Energy that helped businesses unlock new sources of renewable energy, and from the National Science Foundation that helped entrepreneurs like the founders of Google change the world. It is your efforts that will help this country meet the great challenge of our time-rebuilding an economy where all who work hard can get ahead. So while the budget fights in Washington are too often partisan. your service to the country must never be. As one of my predecessors, President George H.W. Bush, once said, “There is nothing more fulfilling than to serve your country and your fellow citizens and to do it well. And that is what our system of self-government depends on.” This shutdown was completely preventable. It should not have happened. And the House of Representatives can end it as soon as it follows the Senate’s lead, and funds your work in the United States Government without trying to attach highly controversial and partisan measures in the process. Hopefully, we will resolve this quickly. In the meantime, I want you to know-whether you are a young person who just joined public service because you want to make a difference, or a career employee who has dedicated your life to that pursuit-you and your families remain at the front of my mind. Your agency leaders and I will continue to defend your work at a time when that work has rarely been more important. We will continue to work with your agencies to keep you and your families apprised and informed of what is happening. And I will continue to do everything in my power to get the House of Representatives to allow our Government to reopen as quickly as possible, and make sure you receive the pay that you have earned. Thank you, again, for your service, your sacrifice, and everything you do every day for this country we love so much. Sincerely, Barack Obama, President 4
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AS2 John Ringer, right, and AS2 Jonathan Blevins perform corrosion treatment on the Tilly crash crane.
AM3 Brandon Stinson performs maintenance on a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to HSC-6 in the hangar bay.
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By MCSN (SW) Kole Carpenter
By MC2 (SW/AW) Jacquelyn Childs
ASAN Jason Khashan performs maintenance on a tow tractor in the hangar bay.
By MCSN Siobhana R. McEwen
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O N THE COVER: Sailors a HSC-6, ssigned pay their to respect L and on to Lt. Cm L . Jones dr. and Chie O fficer Jo f Warran nathan S t . Gibson memoria following l service a . - Photo b y MC3 (S W ) Raul Moreno Jr.